Fire stations under threat in shake-up

Restructuring plans could see changes to service

Stirling area fire stations may be under threat of closure after a proposed nationwide shakeup of the service was revealed this week.

Firefighter numbers may also be threatened if the restructuring goes ahead.

Locations of stations facing the axe have so far not been announced, but Scottish Fire and Rescue Service say the country faces new and emerging risks and that if it is to protect communities from these risks then it too must change.

A SFRS spokesperson said: “This is not about cuts, it is about the transformation of a delivery model that has served us well but was designed for the risks of over 70 years ago. We need to ask ourselves how we can now deploy the combined resources of the world’s fourth largest fire and rescue service in a much more efficient and effective way.

“We also recognise that public funding is a challenge, so we are proposing a range of options that together will not only maintain our current services but release capacity to undertake new areas of prevention and emergency response, including medical emergencies, acts of terrorism and severe weather. “No decisions have been made. “We want to enter into a conversation with our staff and the public to ensure that they have a voice in a safe and planned transformation that will allow the service to do so much more for the people of Scotland.”

The service currently has stations, operated entirely by retained firefighters, in Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Doune, Callander, Balfron, Aberfoyle, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Killin and Tillicoultry.

Retained officers are part-time and operate on a call-out basis usually in more rural areas.

Stirling is the only station in the region to be the base for a full-time fire and rescue crew.

The fire station in Alloa is staffed by a combination of full-time and retained crew members.

The Scottish Fire Brigades Union blame existing staffing levels for increased numbers of staff absentees due to stress-related illness.

FBU regional official, Denise Christie, said: “This is a big concern for us.

“Staff morale is at rock bottom and we have seen firefighters being off of work due to stress increase fivefold in the last three years. We have seen over 700 firefighter’s jobs lost since the formation of the service in 2013.

“We were told that the formation of the single fire service would protect the front line, but not all of the fire appliances are available all of the time.

“There are engines in some stations across the country lying idle.”

Stirling MSP, Bruce Crawford added: “Right now, the SFRS are exploring how to meet new and emerging risks facing our communities which includes how the service can do more to protect local people.

“The Scottish Government increased the operational budget for the SFRS by £21.7 million this year which will invest in equipment and resources.”

It’s unclear whether rural or city stations will be targeted in the cuts and a public consultation is to take place in the new year.