Fire fighters demand new safety equipment
Posted
The firefighters' union says the clothing worn by a firefighter badly burnt in a factory fire was unsafe. (Supplied)
The Victorian Emergency Services Minister has refused to meet a delegation of firefighters who were protesting in Melbourne over the safety of their equipment.
Around 40 firefighters protested outside government offices, demanding new protective clothing.
They were refused a meeting with the Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) firefighter Stewart Marshall says a firefighter badly burnt at a blaze in Yarraville last week would have been better protected if he had new gear.
"Some of the gear we're wearing you wouldn't put on the back of a horse - it's ridiculous," he said.
The United Firefighters Union's Peter Marshall says the firefighter's equipment was out of date and unsafe.
"His injuries were potentially preventable," he said.
Mr Cameron says the union has been responsible for some of the delays in ordering new equipment.
"All of the parties have had disagreements and we all collectively have to take responsibility for what's occurred," he said.
The Government says new protective clothing will be ready by April next year.
Firefighters are refusing to enter buildings to fight fires, because of concerns over their equipment.
Chief Fire Officer Tony Murphy says he will meet the union to discuss their concerns.
"Firefighters will act professionally and if a member of the public is at risk they will intervene," he said.
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