Fire fighting capabilities are being bolstered in Wodonga with 20 extra career firefighters and a new pumper tanker vehicle being added to the Fire Rescue Victoria ranks.
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Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block said he was 'gobsmacked' that the Wodonga station only had one appliance and four career firefighters available at one time.
"Wodonga is growing rapidly and it's vitally important we meet the existing demand and plan for future growth," he said at an announcement on Friday.
"This is a city of 50,000 people and there is a lot of risk that goes with a city that size.
"I was gobsmacked when I was greeted by four career fire fighters, that are complimented by the volunteer firefighters.
"I believe that a fire service should be built to mitigate the risk of the area they serve.
"I will now sleep much better from this day forward knowing there are now eight firefighters at any one time servicing this community."
In what is a significant increase in resources for the region, the 20 firefighters will provide an additional four firefighting staff each shift, which will double the personnel available at any given time.
Each additional crew of four staff will include two firefighters, a leading firefighter and a station officer.
Mr Block has been involved in a career fire service for 41 years including leading a team of 1300 firefighters in Canada.
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He said as the population grows in Wodonga, as do the calls for assistance.
"Fire Rescue Victoria is dedicated to giving regional Victorians the resources they deserve." he said.
Emergency calls have increased from 565 calls in 2017-18, to 618 calls in 2019-20.
It is projected that the number of calls will continue to increase in line with population growth.
The additional crew will also utilise a new Pumper Tanker appliance, which is designed for urban and urban-rural interface firefighting.
"FRV is committed to providing the best possible service to Victorians, no matter where they live," Mr Block said.
"These additional resources will increase safety outcomes for Wodonga's growing community and our firefighters, and both are my highest priority."
Due to strategic planning the station will not require a renovation or redesign to facilitate the new crew and vehicle.
The five bay station includes a gym, kitchen and mess room, multipurpose room, office space and lounge and.
Wodonga Fire Station is a co-located facility with the CFA.