THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has refused to rule out closing Wee County fire stations, saying that the service must change as it tries to deal with “new and emerging risks”.

It comes after the leaking of a memo which indicates that fire stations might have to be closed and firefighter numbers cut for the service to continue.

The papers, which were circulated to senior management, said the current model could not last beyond the end of the financial year.

In response, a statement from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) claimed that in order to protect communities, the service must be transformed.

A spokeswoman said: “Scotland is facing new and emerging risks. If [it] is to protect our communities from these risks then it too must change.

“This is not about cuts, it is about the transformation of a delivery model that has served us well but was designed for the risks of over 70 years ago.”

She continued: “We need to ask ourselves how we can now deploy the combined resources of the world’s fourth largest fire and rescue service in a more efficient and effective way.

“We also recognise that public funding is a challenge, so we are proposing a range of options that together will not only maintain our current services but release capacity to undertake new areas of prevention and emergency response, including medical emergencies, acts of terrorism and severe weather.

“No decisions have been made. We want to enter into a conversation with our staff and the public to ensure they have a voice in a safe and planned transformation that will allow the service to do so much more for the people of Scotland.”

Murdo Fraser, MSP for Central Scotland and Fife, called on the SNP to commit to saving Clackmannanshire’s service.

He told the Advertiser: “Communities across Clackmannanshire are served by two fire stations as well as those from nearby Stirling and any threat to these stations is a big concern.

“The head of the Scottish Fire and Rescue service has made it clear that the service is unsustainable as it currently stands but a situation where stations across Clackmannanshire and Stirling are shut or downgraded cannot be allowed to happen.

“Having access to a fast and efficient fire service is a must for Clackmannanshire residents and I would call on the SNP to commit to retaining services across the Wee County.”

In response, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Much progress has been made through fire reform, improving outcomes and access to specialist facilities while protecting frontline services and keeping people safe.

“Operational decisions on the allocation of resources are a matter for the SFRS board and chief officer. However, in line with this government’s own commitment, the SFRS operates a policy of no compulsory redundancies.

“The SFRS is currently exploring how it should develop to meet the new and emerging risks facing our communities, including how transformation could see SFRS do more for the people of Scotland. The process will involve liaison with staff, partners and the public.”