Dunfermline left with one fire engine to cover city on over 70 occasions this year

Dunfermline has been left with just one fire appliance to cover the city on more than 70 occasions this year, a fire union rep has revealed.

Fire Brigade Union Scotland East vice-chairperson Stuart Taylor, who is based at the city’s fire station, has expressed his concern at the situation amid the ongoing blaze at the Ladybank waste facility.

A total of 12 fire appliances plus specialist resources were called to the scene on Tuesday afternoon after a fire took hold at the landfill site.

A week later, two fire crews remain in attendance, and Mr Taylor said the incident has highlighted just how Fife crews are currently stretched.

He said it was “good luck” that no other major incident took place while crews were dealing with the Ladybank blaze.

“You pray nothing happens when all these places are stretched and short of cover and staff, that you are not going to end up with an incident that needs a quick response,” he said.

“When that started last Tuesday at Ladybank, I was on the day shift, and it was engines from all different stations going here, there and everywhere to try and cover stations. I think there were 12 fire engines at the job, plus any specialist resources.

“It is difficult when a huge incident where that many resources is required and that is why we need more not less.”

The fire comes weeks before delayed decisions on the SFRS’ future service delivery are expected to be announced.

It follows public consultation on 23 proposals of change across the country, which include two in Fife.

Mr Taylor said any changes are likely to make the current situation worse, as the second crew, which is based in the city, is already having to provide cover at other stations on a regular basis.

“The big issue with Dunfermline is you have gone from before the so-called temporary cuts in 2023, when there were three appliances at Dunfermline,” he said.

“They have now got two plus the height appliance, but that is a national resource, that is not for covering Dunfermline. That is to cover all over.

“As much as we have two appliances, already this year for 2026, Dunfermline has on more than 70 occasions – whether a day shift or night shift or both – been left with one appliance covering the whole area.

“The area that Dunfermline covers, it is far too big an area for that.

“You are limited with only one pump. If an incident requires more, you will get more but you are waiting for them coming because there are not two at Dunfermline. You need to wait for them to come from Lochgelly or Alloa or somewhere.”

The FBU rep said firefighters from the second crew are often asked to go to work in other stations.

“Instead of having nine (firefighters) in a station available, you only have five. That is happening all the time,” he said.

“It causes a lot of problems with staff because they are constantly getting sent to work at other stations.

“It is quite often that Dunfermline will have enough people to crew both appliances, but what they will do is they will put the second appliance off the run and send the people to cover shortfalls elsewhere.

“It is down to government funding. There is not enough money to employ the right amount of staff to cover everywhere.”

SRFS chief officer Stuart Stevens has previously acknowledged the uncertainty caused by the service review.

“This is a complex process, and it is essential that we take a robust and considered approach,” he said.

“Whilst the financial situation is challenging, we will do everything we can to protect our frontline services and prioritise the safety of our staff and the communities we serve.”