WORRYINGLY low numbers of firefighters are on call in parts of the area, it has been revealed.
Gatehouse Fire Station’s on-call retained duty system has just 22 percent availability – the worst rate of all 19 stations across Dumfries and Galloway.
This level of availability falls well below the region’s average of 75 percent and the Scottish average of 58 percent.
Meanwhile, New Galloway station’s availability rate is 50 percent.
And it has led to a fire service chief issuing a plea for help.
Chris Ross, area station commander, revealed there is a recruitment issue right across the Stewartry and admitted he is concerned about levels of cover at some stations.
Speaking at Stewartry Area Committee, Dee and Glenkens Councillor Andy McFarlane said: “Gatehouse still continues to be a concern in relation to the on-call retained firefighters.
“I’m wondering where we are in terms of trying to improve the figures on that.”
Mr Ross replied: “Gatehouse Station is one of my stations, and it is a concern around the crew levels there.
“There was a recruitment event at Kirkcudbright two weeks ago where we tried to encourage recruitment to the on-call stations in the Stewartry.
“I’m pleased to say we did have one applicant so it’s very early stages to see what happens there. But what happens at this point is that we have a suitability discussion and meeting.
“It’s quite an onerous responsibility being an on-call firefighter, so we try to make sure right from the start that everyone entering into the agreement knows exactly what the expectation is, and how it’s going to impact on their lives.”
He appealed to anyone interested to become an on-call firefighter in the wider area to approach a fire station, adding: “We’re more than willing to have a discussion with you to see if it would suit you, and indeed if you suit the service.”
