Fife councillors have reacted with alarm to “ludicrous” fire service cuts proposals.
And members of the public are being urged to get involved in a “vital” public consultation, which launched on Wednesday.
Four meetings have been arranged across the region, where senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) officers will outline the planned changes.
And communities will have the chance to ask questions and state their views.
The proposals could see fire appliances removed from several Fife fire stations.
Firefighters say this will result in staff cuts, longer response times and, ultimately, greater public risk.
However, the SFRS says it must reduce costs amid an £800 million repairs backlog.
‘Ludicrous’ proposals amid grass and bin fires
Lochgelly crew members outlined the proposals – along with their fears – to councillors on Wednesday afternoon.
Councillors raised concerns over potential risks posed by Mossmorran, proposed battery farms and an increasing population.
And they described the changes as “ludicrous” and “ridiculous”, saying the area is also a hotbed of grass and bin fires over the summer school holidays.
SNP member Lea McLelland said: “They’re wrestling people to get their bins off them and setting fire to them.
“I’ve witnessed it myself.”
What is proposed in Fife?
The fire service proposals for Fife are:
- Replacing Dunfermline’s third appliance (a combined aerial rescue pump) with a dedicated high-reach appliance.
- Reducing wholetime appliances at Lochgelly from two to one.
- Returning an appliance to either Glenrothes or Methil.
Both Glenrothes and Methil lost an appliance temporarily in 2023 but only one will return.
The height appliance moved from Kirkcaldy at the same time is also not returning.
How to take part in fire service cuts consultation meeting in Fife
Thousands of people across Fife have already signed petitions against the proposed cuts.
Councillors and MSPs have also pledged to fight them.
People who want to attend one of the fire service cuts consultation meetings must register in advance.
They will take place in:
- Glenrothes on July 21 from 6-8pm, at Studio 8, Church Street.
- Methil on July 23 from 6-8pm, at Methil Education Centre, Bowling Green Street.
- Lochgelly on August 4 from 6-8pm at Lochgelly Centre, Bank Street.
- Dunfermline on August 6 from 3-7pm at Dell Farquharson Community Centre, Nethertown Broad Street.
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens says public input is vital.
Why is the fire service making changes?
Mr Stevens said the review represents the first national operational overhaul since the SFRS formed in 2013.
He said: “We have a duty to ensure the right resources are in the right locations to meet the risks of today’s communities.
“We’re also facing a backlog of building, fleet, and equipment repairs exceeding £800 million.
“That level of investment simply isn’t available.
“Therefore, we must consider how we operate and reduce costs associated with underused assets.”
More details on the proposals, including how to get involved in the consultation is available online at firescotland.gov.uk
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