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BBC Scotland’s proposed fire service changes spark concern
Fears have been raised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) over plans for significant changes in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), raising concerns that public safety may be compromised. The SFRS is considering the closure of up to 13 stations, altering night and weekend cover at other stations, and permanently removing 10 appliances across the country. Among the options are the potential closure or merger of five stations in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Musselburgh, with over 30 fire stations in 14 local authority areas affected.
The FBU has expressed alarm over what it perceives as a decade of real-term cuts to the service, claiming it is “already on its knees.” On the other hand, SFRS chief officer Stuart Stevens reassured the public that proposed changes would only be implemented if they guarantee the safety of the Scottish community. Emphasizing that the changes are vital for the organization’s future readiness, Stevens highlighted that final decisions will be based on a statistical analysis of operational risk and demand.
While the number of house fires has decreased significantly in recent years, firefighters are facing challenges such as floods, wildfires, and rescues. The planned changes include repairing or rebuilding certain stations, transferring staff and appliances to different areas, and potentially shutting down eight part-time stations that have been non-operational for years. Chief officer Stevens underlined the urgent need for around £60 million annually to address repair and upkeep issues in the service’s infrastructure and equipment, stressing the importance of operational efficiency and prevention strategies.
Communities across Scotland, including remote areas like Fetlar in Shetland, are bracing for the impact of the proposed adjustments, with concerns particularly high over the closure or downgrade of stations. The review identifies eight stations, including Fetlar, as “long-term dormant,” with plans for eventual closure. Local residents and officials are set to oppose these changes, expressing the need for alternative models like those in the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure emergency response in underserved areas. The proposed changes will now undergo a 12-week public consultation period to gather feedback on the potential implications for communities across the country
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