‘Fire service must adapt’

SCOTLAND’S fire and rescue service must adapt to meet the risks of climate change and address significant issues across its ageing estate, says a senior fire officer.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has launched an online survey on what the emergency service should look like in the future.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Stephen Wright, head of service delivery for the west of Scotland, said SFRS must ensure its crews and stations are in the right place to meet current and future risks such as flooding and wildfires.

SFRS is asking communities in West Dunbartonshire and across the West of Scotland to make their voice heard as it considers changes to the location of its firefighters and fire stations.

He said: “We want to be a modern service that is ready for the challenges of Scotland’s future.

“To achieve this, there are changes that we must consider. Scotland has changed and so must its fire and rescue service.

“For example, we have spent a long time analysing the changing community risk across the country and we know some of our stations and appliances are located based on historical risk, such as heavy industry that no longer exists.

“As a national emergency service, we must ensure we have the right resources, in the right place, at the right time.”

DACO Wright warned that some fire stations across Scotland have been deemed “not fit for purpose” and require urgent investment to make them safer and more suitable.

This includes 14 stations with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panel issues.

Almost half of fire stations have been deemed in “poor or bad” condition while two-thirds of the total SFRS estate across Scotland is more than 30 years old.

Wright continued:

“Our buildings need to be safe, provide welfare facilities and comply with guidelines around decontamination after incidents to help protect our firefighters’ health.”

To complete the survey, visit https://bit.ly/3UQliTA.