Belmont CFA Fire Station has undergone a $1.2 million upgrade, its first in 20 years, to boost local firefighting capabilities. And the improvements couldn't have come any sooner affirms operation manager Graham Lay. "We were catering probably for three (fire fighters) per shift, now we're catering for six per shift for the future. Armstrong Creek is a big consideration as to why this place is being upgraded as well. Also the station's communication equipment, dormitories, training facility and where staff and volunteers change into their response gear has been improved," Graham said. Around 50 volunteers give their time to Belmont CFA to assist 16 permanent officers, and the brigade attends around 800 callouts per year.