Wildfire review must look at rural recruitment challenges, Minister told

The Scottish Government’s review of their wildfire strategy must “look again” at recruitment challenges and “test why the current model isn’t working for rural communities”, Far North MSP David Green has said.

David Green, the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, raised concerns during General Questions at the Scottish Parliament today [Tuesday 1 September] about the recruitment challenges faced by the Fire and Rescue service in the wake of recent wildfires.

Freedom of information requests from the Scottish Liberal Democrats show that stations like Lochinver, Durness, and Torridon have less than half the intended staff numbers - while Tongue has just two out of 12 possible members.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Green warned that current crewing rules are "preventing capable volunteers from responding," and pressed the Cabinet Secretary, Neil Gray MSP, to widen the review of the wildfire strategy to examine why the current recruitment model is not working for rural communities.

Responding to Mr Green, Mr Gray said it was "important we maintain rigorous standards for those serving our communities," but acknowledged it was "an area we continue to discuss with the Chief Fire Officer.”

The Cabinet Secretary added that he recognised that many of those involved are "wearing many hats to keep these communities running."

Following the exchange, Far North MSP David Green said: "I welcome the Cabinet Secretary's acknowledgement that this is an area of ongoing concern, and that those crewing our rural stations are stretched across many roles to keep their communities running.

"But recognition alone will not put firefighters on the ground when the next blaze breaks out. What the Far North needs to hear now is whether that acknowledgement will be matched by commitments, and, crucially, by the resources to deliver them.

"As we have seen this summer, failure to get the question of resources right leaves rural communities bearing the cost. Lochinver, Durness, Tongue and Scourie cannot be expected to hold the line with a fraction of the crew they are meant to have.

"The wildfire strategy review is an opportunity to get this right. I fear it will be a missed one if Ministers put rural staffing on the side lines"

ENDS.