A PLEA for the Scottish Government to rethink its position on fire service funding has been issued after new statistics showed Inverclyde is one of the worst places for blazes in Scotland.

Latest figures released by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) have revealed that the district recorded 606 fires per 100,000 people in 2022/23, making it the sixth highest in Scotland on that metric.

Labour councillor Martin McCluskey has today called on the government to react and take action, after warnings in recent months about controversial SFRS cuts which will see Greenock Fire Station lose at least 10 firefighter posts.

Greenock Telegraph: Councillor Martin McCluskey.

The plans would also see a new crewing model being brought in for the local station’s high-reach vehicle.

While the total number of fires recorded in the area fell to its lowest level in over a decade, the number of non-fire incidents that local firefighters had to attend rose to 288, which is the highest figure on record.

This included 60 flooding incidents, 39 road traffic collisions and 28 instances where they were called out to assist other agencies.

A total of 95 dwelling fires were recorded in Inverclyde during the above period, as well as a further 20 which took place in other buildings and 32 which occurred in road vehicles.

Councillor McCluskey said: “The fire service locally is busier than ever dealing with fires and with a growing number of incidents where the it is the first emergency service on the scene.

“It beggars belief that the SNP government are pushing ahead with real terms cuts to the fire service and that Inverclyde’s fire services have been hit by cuts to high reach appliances and crews.

“Our firefighters provide an essential service for our community – fighting and preventing fires.

“These statistics today show that Inverclyde’s fire service cannot afford cuts and it’s more important than ever that services that we have lost are reinstated as soon as possible.”

In response to councillor McCluskey’s comments, the Scottish Government defended its record.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters play a vital role in protecting our communities and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has continued to deliver the high standard of services required to keep Scotland safe.

"That is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity, we are providing SFRS with more than £368 million this year, an increase of £14.4 million on 2022-23.

“We are maintaining frontline services, with a higher number of firefighters in Scotland than other parts of the UK.”

Area Commander David McCarrey, who is the local senior officer for East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, added: "It's pleasing to note the number of fires recorded in Inverclyde is at the lowest level for a decade and credit must go to our staff and partners for their sustained prevention efforts.

“We have been clear about the changing risk we are facing across Scotland and that is why we have prioritised our spend to ensure we can respond effectively to evolving threats such as climate change.

“Moving forward we remain committed to modernising our service to do more for communities while addressing our financial challenges.”