PREMIER John Brumby has been urged by his party to more than double the number of professional firefighters in Victoria at the recent ALP state conference. Members endorsed the findings of an independent board which recommended a big boost in firefighters and resources. The Labor Party faithful urged the Government to give "top priority" to adding 684 firefighters as victoria prepares for the fire season. An independent Board of Reference using Country Fire Authority data found 24 of 25 parts of Victoria it studied needed more firefighters.

The board of high-level CFA and Metropolitan Fire Brigade officials found many firefighters were needed in "high-risk" areas including Lorne, Phillip Island, Melton, Ballarat, Mornington, Portland, Geelong West and Ocean Grove.

The CFA applied to the Government for the extra personnel in July, but has not received a reply.