Up to 20 former staff and families who lived at the complex in the 1970s and ’80s have been found with cancer believed to have been triggered by chemicals stored and used in training burn-offs.

One victim is a senior officer from the south-west. He is off work on sick leave.

It is understood at least 10 people have died with cancer-related illness believed linked to Fiskville.

All rural and regional professional firefighters spent 16 weeks living at Fiskville during their initial training, plus further time there for updates.

Many volunteers also went through training at the complex near Ballan.

Warrnambool-based shop steward with the United Firefighters Union, Troy Cleverley, said investigations recently launched by the CFA could be later extended to other smaller training centres including Penshurst.

“I would not be surprised to see the investigation enlarged to include all training grounds,” he said. “There’s no doubt some older south-west professional and volunteer firefighters would be very concerned about the potential exposure to carcinogenic chemicals at Fiskville in the 1970s and ’80s.

“It seems the dangerous chemicals were removed in the 1990s, but we will have to wait until a full investigation by the CFA and EPA to determine the full extent of the situation.”

Mr Cleverley said south-west union members with concerns should register with lawyers Slater and Gordon while others should contact their station officer or regional group officer.

“I would think if the CFA turns its back on its own members, leaders should hang their heads in shame,” he said.

“Our union is right behind the victims and we demand a full, transparent investigation.

“We really feel sad for respected senior members who have been affected. It will probably take months for the results to be released.”

Former planning minister Justin Madden revealed yesterday his mother-in-law died of cancer at the age of 50 after living next to the Fiskville training centre.

He called for an independent inquiry.