The United Firefighters Union will this week launch mobile billboards and distribute how-to-vote cards at booths on February 13.

MFB stations are staffed by full-time crews 24 hours, seven days a week.

The union says threats to minimum staffing levels would compromise members' ability to respond to incidents within the internationally accepted 7.7-minute benchmark. The union has canvassed the views of the eight candidates contesting the seat and will mark their how-to-vote cards according to their answers.

UFU spokesman Jake Wishart said the Altona byelection would be a "litmus test" for November's state election.

"We're waiting for the major parties to respond," he said.

"We want to send a really strong message that fire safety is not going to be taken for granted in Altona or right across Victoria."

UFU secretary Peter Marshall said plans to reduce crews at metropolitan fire stations could mean the difference between life and death, or the containment of a fire.

"The MFB says it will reduce crews based on its estimates of operational needs but who can predict when disasters like Coode Island, or even everyday events like house fires and car accidents, will occur?"

The Banner also sought views from all eight candidates, but only half responded. Greens candidate David Strangward, Liberal Mark Rose, Socialist Alliance's Margarita Windisch and independent Brian Shaw indicated strong support for the union's position.

Four other candidates, including Labor's Jill Hennessy, did not respond by the time of going to press yesterday.

Details: VEC website here or 1300 551 575.