Maffra, Dargo, Boisdale, Newry and Munro CFA brigades have been earmarked for vital vehicle safety upgrades that will give fire-fighters a better chance of surviving burn-overs.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said fire-fighters play such an important role in protecting our communities, in many cases putting their lives before others at times of high risk and bushfire threat.

“This program is delivering vital safety upgrades to Victoria's fire-fighting fleet to reduce the risk of injury to fire-fighters if they get trapped in a burn-over situation.

“Upgraded features include radiant heat protective curtains, water-spraying systems, heat-shielding panels and intercom communications,” Mr Bull said.

Minister for Emergency Services, Peter Ryan, said the program would upgrade all CFA trucks built prior to 2006 with a capacity of a 1,000 litres of water or more. All vehicles produced after 2006 were already fitted with crew protection systems.

"The addition of these important and effective protective features on all CFA trucks built prior to 2006 will better equip our dedicated crews when fighting fires across the state."

"The Coalition Government is a proud supporter of Victoria's 90,000 emergency services volunteers and we are committed to providing modern facilities and equipment to continue the important work they do," Mr Ryan said.