THE SCOTTISH Fire and Rescue Service have been told they must adapt to deal with the increasing risks of flooding and wildfires.
In a new consultation paper by the Scottish Government, it is revealed that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will have to prepare for more extreme weather as a result of the climate crisis.
Whilst the main priority for the SFRS remains the prevention of fires and the harm they cause, the consultation paper recommends more investment in wildfire response resources and ensuring its buildings can remain operational during floods.
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said that ‘significant challenges’ lie ahead for Scotland but expects the fire services in the country to ‘flourish’ in the face of them.
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She said: “In addition to the challenges which Covid recovery brings, Scotland is also facing significant changes as a result of EU exit, climate change, population changes and the expectations the public holds for all public services.
“While the challenges Scotland faces are ever more complex, they also serve to foster opportunities for dynamic public sector organisations like SFRS to flourish.
“All organisations need to adapt to these new demands and this framework will pave the way for further evolution, just as the challenges faced by SFRS continue to evolve.
Members of the public have been invited to share their opinion and views as part of the consultation, as it launched today to discuss a new framework governing the fire service.
As well as being told to adapt their services to tackle possible extreme weather, the SFRS is also being asked to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy and moving to an ultra-low emission fleet.
It comes at the same time that concerns have been raised that Scots fire chiefs are increasing risk by considering plans to dramatically cut call outs by up to 85% 'emergencies' including at hospitals, care homes and hotels.
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The community Safety Minister continued by urging the public to come forward with their views for the consultation whilst praising the SFRS for their work during coronavirus.
Ms Denham added: “We encourage everyone who has an interest in this important consultation to have their say.
“Throughout the pandemic SFRS has been at the forefront of our response in meeting the needs of local communities in any way they are able to, from delivering prescriptions and food to using rural fire stations as Covid testing sites.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer, Stuart Stevens, said they welcome the Scottish Government’s draft Fire Framework and they are encouraging everyone to have their say in the consultation.
He said: "Our Service is committed to ensuring that we continue to respond safely and effectively to the changing needs of Scotland's communities so that they are protected from new and emerging risks including those linked to climate change.
“That is why we are introducing a National Wildfire Strategy to help reduce their on communities and the environment. The strategy will consider the latest developments in wildfire management, training and operational procedures.
"The flooding incidents we attend are increasing and we are already investing in training and equipment for our firefighters. We have 66 flood response stations and have this year strengthened our water rescue capabilities with twenty new boats strategically positioned across Scotland.”
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