THE CFA has recognised the mounting pressure for a new Bayswater firestation and confirmed an upgrade or a new station is a priority.
The announcement follows a decision by Knox Council to call for a report into the need for a new headquarters for local firefighters.
"CFA has identified Bayswater as a priority for an upgraded or new station," CFA eastern metropolitan regional director Dave Baker said.
"It is an active and committedbrigade providing outstanding service to a growing and busy region."
The move was among the last initiatives of former mayor Adam Gill last week. Cr Gill said he was acting on needs outlined in regular discussions with Bayswater CFA members.
"For the past seven years they've been talking about relocation or expansion. They've essentially grown out of their site."
However, Mr Barker also warned that the project was in its "very early stages".
The station has 76 volunteer members and the crew attended 453 call-outs in the previous financial year.
The brigade recently raised $68,000 to purchase a new slip-on appliance (a smaller truck) with donations from the council, schools and the RACV.
Because of the need to respond rapidly throughout Bayswater, the station has to be located centrally.
The most efficient location is considered to be close to the intersection of Scoresby Road and Mountain Highway, which means a new building on the current site may be the most viable option.
Cr Gill said CFA members had told him money would be available next year, so the council should be prepared.
After 15 years of lobbying, the CFA this year announced that a new headquarters would be built for the Rowville CFA on the corner of Wellington Road and Le John Street.
That project is expected to cost $5.5 million.
Its proponents say it will cut firefighter response times by at least 2½ minutes.