22/06/2026
I’m relieved the SFRS board today came to the only right decision in my mind, which was to leave Lochgelly’s existing fire services untouched.
However, there’s a caveat involved. The board decided that, given communities in Methil and Glenrothes had not been consulted on the new option 3 – which was to leave Lochgelly with two pumps (pictured) – this would legally require the SFRS to go back and consult again in those areas.
We’ve got a deferral for the time being and that’s thanks to the amazing campaign led by Lochgelly’s firefighters and the local community, including Lochgelly Community Council. They should feel very proud, as am I for backing the community and the campaign since day one.
Everyone was aware of the high stakes involved. The removal of an appliance would leave the community exposed to unacceptable risk and would certainly have meant the loss of the highly-trained rope rescue unit.
I believe fire chiefs need to put back an appliance taken away from Glenrothes or Methil in 2023, but not at the expense of Lochgelly.
At the start of the SDR consultation last year, I’m certain the SFRS didn’t have a clue how formidable the people of Lochgelly can be when they put up a fight.
They do now, and I’m hoping that just might be enough to make them think twice about ever coming back with similar proposals to cut in future. Let’s hope so.
Save Lochgelly’s Fire Engine and Rope Rescue Unit
