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Chamber and committees

Ladybank Fire Exposes the Danger Posed by the Fire Service

  • Submitted by: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S7M-00082

That the Parliament notes with concern the large, resource-intensive fire that began at the Ladybank landfill site in Fife on 12 May 2026; understands that the fire has been burning for several days and that, at its height, 19 fire crews were on the scene trying to control the blaze; notes that one week later, three appliances remain on site; understands with concern that fire crews from across Fife and Tayside have had to attend the scene, leaving Edinburgh short as an appliance from Tollcross in the city was sent to Dunfermline to cover; notes that the fire comes as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) considers the outcome of a Service Delivery Review, which proposes closing Balmossie station in Dundee and removing a fire appliance and crew from Lochgelly; understands that this follows a previous round of service reductions that already caused Methil and Glenrothes to each lose a fire appliance; believes that SFRS has lost 1,250 jobs since its creation in 2013, and considers that further job losses, closure of stations and reductions in services will leave communities exposed, putting people's lives and property at greater risk.