A STRATEGIC review of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) cannot be a smokescreen for further cuts, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned today.

Figures by the SFRS show that almost half its 356 fire stations are deemed to be in “poor or bad” condition, while two-thirds are more than 30 years old.

Fourteen fire stations also have issues with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) panels and have had temporary supports installed to reinforce roofing.