{
  "id": 4550750,
  "title": "WorkSafe probes CFA fleet safety after oldest fire truck turns 37",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/worksafe-probes-cfa-fleet-safety-after-oldest-fire-truck-turns-37",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T02:13:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-31/cfa-volunteers-truck-upgrades-worksafe-victoria/107096752"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the safety of the Country Fire Authority's (CFA) aging fleet of fire trucks following concerns raised by a lobby group. The oldest truck in the fleet is the Muckatah Brigade's 1989 two-wheel drive tanker, which is 37 years old and 17 years past its nominal use-by date. WorkSafe is conducting ongoing inquiries to ensure health and safety risks are being adequately addressed. The CFA has been contacted for comment and is reportedly providing information to WorkSafe and facilitating access to appliances and documentation. CFA Volunteers Group president John Houston stated that the fleet is no longer fit for purpose and is a health and safety risk to volunteers. The backlog of outdated tankers has been growing steadily for the past decade, and the government has acknowledged the trucks have a life span. Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke expressed openness to discussions on fleet management with the CFA.",
  "summary": "WorkSafe Victoria is \"making inquiries\" into the Country Fire Authority's aging truck fleet after safety concerns were raised by a group representing its volunteers.",
  "key_points": [
    "WorkSafe Victoria investigating CFA fleet safety",
    "Oldest truck 37 years old, 17 years past use-by date",
    "CFA fleet outdated, health and safety risk"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}