The Country Fire Authority has issued a public apology after an independent review into its culture found evidence of a toxic environment.
Some parts of the report are distressing, the volunteer-based organisation acknowledged in a statement on Thursday.
It admitted some former and current staff had been subjected to unacceptable behaviour, including bullying, harassment and discrimination, and there was still reform work to be done.
"It will be distressing for those who have experienced any of the behaviours described, but also for the many thousands of CFA members who serve their communities with pride and exemplify the CFA values of safety, teamwork, respect and integrity," the statement said.
"We are deeply sorry to those current and past members who have experienced unacceptable behaviours at CFA and we are committed to doing better."
The review, led by Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Helen Szoke, was commissioned by the CFA in September last year.
It found that at least 24 per cent of survey respondents had experienced bullying over the past year, with the perpetrators identified as being from across the organisation, including managers and supervisors.
The most predominant types of bullying were exclusion or isolation, intimidation or threats, incivility and withholding information required to do the job.
One stakeholder described an "us versus them mentality" and claimed there was strong emphasis on organisational hierarchy, which subsequently creates a divisive environment.
Additionally, eight per cent of respondents said they had faced sexual harassment, nine per cent were discriminated against, and 10 per cent were subjected to violence and aggression.
Roughly 35 per cent of respondents had experienced high to severe levels of work-related stress.
The report included 10 recommendations to help combat these issues, including increased diversity and inclusion across all levels, and developing a plan for organisational change.
The CFA was first established in 1945 and is considered one of the largest volunteer organisations in the world, with more than 54,000 volunteers across the state.
