The Browns Plains CFA station on Old Howlong Road was targeted sometime between last Wednesday and Saturday.

The offenders removed screws and pulled back sheet metal to access the building before removing orange radios and other equipment used by firefighters.

Brigade captain Matthew Partridge said the stolen equipment had been raised through fundraising and could not be easily replaced.

The break-in has reduced the ability of firefighters to respond to incidents during one of the most dangerous times of the year.

“It doesn’t leave a good feeling in the bottom of your stomach,” Mr Partridge said. 

“We’re exceptionally disappointed about what’s happened.

“We’re still active, but our capacity is diminished.

“If there’s a major incident before the equipment is replaced we might be struggling.

“It’s not a good feeling when we’re doing things to help the community and then our capacity to help is hampered by this type of activity.”

The three stolen digital radios are useless to anyone but firefighters, as they can only be used to listen to fire channels.

A toolbox and tools were also taken from the brigade’s main tanker.

“If we have an incident and break down on a fire ground, we’re going to struggle to keep ourselves moving,” Mr Partridge said.

He hopes someone will return the equipment to the station.

Wodonga police Senior Sergeant Chris Parr said investigators were working to identify those responsible.

“The offenders have put the community at risk by taking critical equipment from our volunteers,” he said.

“The volunteers are protecting our community in this high fire danger period of Christmas and the New Year.”

Senior Sergeant Parr labelled the offending "disgusting". 

He hopes someone has seen the radios for sale or noticed anyone acting suspiciously near the shed.

Mr Partridge said the fire station would need to be upgraded to prevent future burglaries.

Anyone with information can contact police on (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.