Why Victorian Firefighters Say They’re Fighting Fires Without Water

Senior members say it’s only a matter of time before a fatality occurs if new trucks and equipment are not rolled out.

Thousands of farmers and volunteer firefighters gather outside Victoria's State Parliament to protest against the new levy, in Melbourne, Australia, on May 20, 2025. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Victorian firefighters are genuinely concerned that the next time residents call “000” for an emergency, there will be no response.

That was the message in the documentary, Breaking Point, released in August 2025, which exposed the state of equipment in the state’s firefighting service.