Further public consultation on proposed changes at Fife fire stations

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has launched a further three-week public consultation on an additional proposal for changes to fire stations in Fife.

The consultation forms part of the ongoing Service Delivery Review (SDR), a nationwide programme designed to ensure operational resources are aligned to risk and demand. Following a public consultation in 2025, a series of operational changes at stations across Scotland were announced in June 2026.  

However, a final decision on proposals affecting Glenrothes, Methil and Lochgelly was deferred to allow further consideration of an additional option before any permanent changes are agreed. The new option would make permanent the temporary withdrawal of the second wholetime appliances at Glenrothes and Methil introduced in September 2023, with no change at Lochgelly. 

The two options previously consulted on last year remain under consideration and no final decision has been made. 

Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said:

"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with our consultation in 2025, whether by attending an event, completing a survey or sharing their views with us. 

"We heard strong views from staff, communities and stakeholders about the proposed changes in Fife. We have listened carefully to that feedback and, alongside further consideration of the operational, workforce and implementation implications of the options, the Board agreed that further consultation should take place before any final decision is made. 

"This consultation provides another opportunity for people to have their say and help inform the Board's future consideration of the options." 

The consultation will run from 9 November to 30 November 2026. Communities across Fife can participate by completing an online survey via firescotland.gov.uk. 

Two online public meetings will be held from 2-4pm on Monday 16 and 6-8pm on Tuesday 17 November. These events will provide an opportunity for communities, staff and stakeholders to learn more about the options and share their views. 

A permanent solution is required following the temporary withdrawal of three wholetime appliances in Fife in 2023. A permanent change at Dunfermline was approved by the SFRS Board in June 2026 and is no longer in scope, with final decision still required involving two of Glenrothes, Methil and Lochgelly. 

Analysis undertaken during the Service Delivery Review found that operational demand at these stations is among the lowest of all stations with two wholetime appliances anywhere in Scotland and is more closely aligned to stations that operate with a single wholetime appliance. Evaluation of the temporary arrangements introduced in 2023 found no evidence of adverse operational outcomes or impacts on community safety. 

Chief Officer Stevens added:

"All feedback received will be analysed and considered alongside operational evidence and other relevant information before a recommendation is presented to our Board in the new year. 

"I would encourage local communities at these locations and across Fife to review the information available and take part in the consultation." 

A final recommendation will be presented to the SFRS Board for consideration in February 2027. 

People can find out more, register to attend an online meeting and complete the consultation survey by visiting firescotland.gov.uk.

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/service-delivery-review/fife-consultation-november-2026/