Four fire stations in Fife are part of a service delivery review at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the public is invited to four upcoming meetings to give their views.

There are proposed changes at Dunfermline, Lochgelly and either Methil or Glenrothes as part of a wider public consultation involving more 30 fire stations across Scotland.

These include:

– Replacing resources at Dunfermline that are being phased out across Scotland
– Reducing appliances at Lochgelly
– Reducing appliances at either Methil or Glenrothes
– Reinstating withdrawn appliances at either Methil or Glenrothes

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Girrity, Head of Service Delivery for the East and North of Scotland, said: “We currently have a high concentration of resources based within Fife relative to the operational demand of these stations and compared to other similar geographical areas elsewhere in Scotland.

“For example, operational demand at Lochgelly, Glenrothes and Methil is among the lowest of all stations in Scotland that have two wholetime appliances. These are more aligned to stations with one appliance.

“Our data shows that permanently changing two of these locations to having one appliance would be sufficient.”

Speaking about the service delivery review, DACO Girrity added: “We have an opportunity for the first time since the national Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was formed in 2013 to review how we provide our emergency service across Scotland.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the public consultation process and attend the public meetings.”

Three fire appliances were temporarily withdrawn in Fife in 2023. This included the second appliances at Methil and Glenrothes and the third appliance at Dunfermline. A permanent equivalent solution is now required.

Public meetings will be held as follows:

– Monday, 21 July in Glenrothes
– Wednesday, 23 July in Methil
– Monday, 4 August in Lochgelly
– Wednesday, 6 August in Dunfermline. This is a drop-in session, and advance sign-up is not required.

Attendees must sign-up in advance via the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website: firescotland.gov.uk.

Radio Cowdenbeath opposes the reduction in service cover at Lochgelly Fire Station. You can sign the petition and encourage SFRS to drop the cuts here.