THE fire service must adapt to deal with increased risks of flooding and wildfires as a result of climate change, the Scottish Government says.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is also being asked to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy and moving to an ultra-low emission fleet.
A consultation on a new framework governing the fire service launched today (September 29), with members of the public invited to contribute their views until December 22.
Preventing fires and reducing the harm they cause will remain the main purpose of the service, but the consultation paper says SFRS must also prepare for more extreme weather due to the climate emergency.
It recommends continued investment in wildfire response resources and ensuring its buildings can remain operational during floods.
READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Young Scots go on strike to demand urgent action on climate change
Community safety minister, Ash Denham, said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“While the challenges Scotland faces are ever more complex, they also serve to foster opportunities for dynamic public sector organisations like SFRS to flourish and we encourage everyone who has an interest in this important consultation to have their say.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel