The new sheds, costing between $300,000 to $400,000, will be ready by the start of the financial year.

CFA operations officer for district 5, Henry Barton, said the new buildings were long overdue and a welcome asset for hard working brigade members.

“Trucks will fit for the next 40 years,” Mr Barton said.

“It’s big enough for the future. Some of those (brigades) have been storing pumps and machines on farms. These will be able to house all equipment.

“Some are 40 to 50 years old. They have been inadequate for years.

“The old sheds are also hard to maintain.

“This is really exciting for the local brigades.”

He said work had also started on the Toolong shed.

Laang CFA’s Allen Cook said the new shed would mean there was room for the brigade’s truck and two tankers. He said there would also be space for a meeting room, toilet and parking outside.

The new shed is on the Laang-Garvoc Road, while the Mepunga shed is beside the existing building on the Great Ocean Road.

Mr Cook, who was captain of the Laang brigade for 18 years and is now its president, said manpower had been boosted by seven new members.

“We have between 15 to 18 firefighters registered with the Laang brigade,” he said.

“There has been a few more young people come along. They’ve taken an interest.

“As a brigade, everyone is getting older. It’s time for the younger ones.”

Mr Cook said conditions were very dry and the fire risk remained high.

“In some paddocks where there has been hay cut there is a little green tinge,” he said.

“A couple of days like Monday and that will disappear.

“A fire would run right across any area.”

cquirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au