Fife is two dozen firefighters short of what it should have under staffing arrangements introduced as part of the switch to a single Scottish service.
New statistics have revealed that the region is supposed to have 302 firefighters based across five wholetime stations as part of the resource-based crewing (RBC) model applied when services amalgamated in April 2013, although The Courier has learned the actual total stood at 278 at the end of October.
But while the figures may cause concern in some quarters, fire chiefs have insisted public safety has not been compromised and stressed that Fife should eventually be 14 firefighters better off than it was before the merger.
Councillors have been assured the shortfall will be addressed using voluntary transfers, redistribution of posts and a recruitment drive next year.
Updating the safer communities committee, Ross Haggart, senior officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, explained that full-time staffing need was estimated at 288 prior to the introduction of the single service, but the actual total was seven fewer than that at 281 as of March 31 2013.
However, under the RBC model, which means that stations with similar profiles across Scotland should be staffed consistently, the SFRS’ intention has been to increase the number to 302 although that hasn’t been possible yet.
Despite being 24 short of the target number, Mr Haggart pointed out that the number of personnel allocated to watches at the end of last month is just three fewer than what it was back in 2013.
He added: “It should actually be seen as a positive for Fife in that the numbers are being enhanced.
“Although this difference exists between RBC levels and current staff numbers on wholetime stations across Fife, various processes exist to ensure that appropriate numbers of personnel are on duty at all times.
“In the short-term, the SFRS is planning to offer employment to individuals who are currently on a holding list from a previous recruitment campaign.
“Opportunities will also be presented to existing firefighters to transfer into the Fife area on a voluntary basis.”
Councillors were concerned about whether funding will allow Fife to raise its staffing level to 302 in 2016.
Committee chairman Margaret Kennedy is seeking assurances from the Scottish Government on that front.