THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is heading for a “deep and long-lasting crisis if a series of disastrous and swingeing cuts are implemented,” the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned today.

The damning intervention came after service bosses released figures showing the extent of cuts they predict will be needed over the next four years, linked to declining real-terms funding from SNP ministers.

The emergency service, which is bracing itself for more devastating wildfires as climate change worsens, said it is set to lose £11.07 million this financial year, £11.3m next year, £7.3m in 2025-26 and £6.9m in 2026-27.

Amid union warnings that fire appliances and staff are already being withdrawn north of the border, bosses stressed further job losses are inevitable. 

FBU Scottish secretary John McKenzie said: “The fire service in Scotland is heading for a deep and long-lasting crisis.

“We are already seeing fire appliances being withdrawn, jobs lost and response times to life-threatening incidents increasing.

“[The] SFRS says: ‘We cannot realistically reduce costs without reducing workforce numbers.’

“FBU members across Scotland will not stand by and accept our service being cut to the bone, jobs lost and community safety compromised.”

He demanded Edinburgh “immediately provide more money for this essential public service.”

Fire and rescue services in England face a similar crisis following nearly 15 years of Tory austerity, the FBU has warned. 

Despite the London Fire Brigade reporting its busiest day since World War II amid record high temperatures last summer, services face an uncertain future, it has stressed.