THE future of half of retained fire stations in the Highlands and Islands remains uncertain, despite apparent assurances that none would be closed.
An assessment of all the stations run by Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service is being undertaken and The Herald revealed yesterday 40 of the 95 retained stations are candidates to be "taken off the run" or effectively mothballed.The action is being considered as a way to tackle the problem of how to keep firefighters properly trained and equipped, when they are rarely called out in the small communities they protect.
While politicians on fire boards have to approve the permanent closure of any fire station, taking a station off the run is an operational matter, decided by fire chiefs, which is not reported to fire boards. Neither does the Scottish Government have a record of the stations "off the run".
At yesterday's meeting of the Highlands and Islands Fire Board in Inverness, Sutherland councillor Linda Munro asked Trevor Johnson, chief fire officer, about The Herald's report that up to 40 stations could be "taken off the run" and whether the figure was "around" the number being considered.
Mr Johnson said they were having to balance the need for training with the resources within the service, but conceded: "It [40] is a figure that was previously discussed with members as an outline figure which will allow resources to be provided for a safer firefighter within the current constraints we are operating. Is that the clarity required?"
Ms Munro said: "I will take that as a 'yes'." Mr Johnson did not object.
The fire chief revealed that of 45 retained stations in the Highlands and Islands, 35 had crews of eight or fewer. He said: "It is difficult to provide 24/7 cover with that number of people."
He also told the board there were currently four stations off the run, and said he would take others off if they were found to be unsafe.
However, after the meeting he issued a statement, saying: "It is not our intention to close or suspend any fire stations within the Highlands and Islands."
A report of the assessment of the retained stations will be presented to the next fire board to be held next month when members will consider the issue again. Councillors also wanted a report on their legal liability.
The issue has become particularly pressing since the deaths in 2007 of four firefighters in Warwickshire. Three fire service managers appeared in court in November charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Warwickshire County Council has admitted failing to ensure safety at work over the tragedy.
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