Wildfires, batteries and floods: What Scotland’s fire service annual performance review reveals
Iain Hoey
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Review meeting held in Ayr
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported on its performance for 2024–25 at its annual performance review in Ayr.
According to the Service, the review provides the Scottish Government with a formal opportunity to assess the Service’s performance against set priorities.
The Service Board and Strategic Leadership Team explained that ongoing changes are being considered through its Service Delivery Review and public consultation.
SFRS reported that its crews attended more than 74,000 incidents across Scotland during the period.
It added that the review also considered the increasing demands of climate change and the Service’s response.
Wildfire activity during 2024–25
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that 12 wildfire risk warnings were issued between March and August 2025, covering 59 days of heightened risk.
It reported that since February 2025, the Service has responded to 231 large outdoor fires across the country.
Some of these fires continued for several days, affecting many regions.
According to the Service, the 2023–26 Wildfire Strategy includes an investment of around £1.6 million.
It confirmed this spend has provided 400 sets of specialist wildfire PPE, 10 all-terrain vehicles, 10 ATV trailers and four dedicated 4×4 support vans.
Investment in climate and flood resilience
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service noted that it has invested in flood response PPE.
It explained that the Service has also supplied around 200 life jackets to support water rescue operations.
These measures form part of the organisation’s wider climate change adaptation planning.
The Service said this preparation will support crews when responding to flooding and water-related risks.
It added that these developments are designed to strengthen Scotland’s community resilience.
Focus on prevention and protection
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that its prevention and protection activity includes emerging risks linked to battery energy storage systems.
The Service highlighted that in 2024 it launched a UK-wide campaign on lithium-ion battery safety.
The campaign provides information and guidance on safe use, charging, storage and disposal of lithium-ion products.
The Service said public education on new fire risks forms an important part of its wider prevention strategy.
It explained that lithium-ion related risks are expected to increase as battery use expands.
Collaboration and partnership activity
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that it continues to work with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service through the Reform Collaboration Group.
It added that the aim of this group is to improve cooperation among emergency services.
The Service reported that further collaboration is ongoing with the Fire Brigades Union and academic researchers on fire contaminant risk.
It explained that this includes the Scottish Government CivTech programme which is trialling technologies to track firefighter exposure and improve health monitoring.
Partnership projects are also underway across Scotland to provide additional resilience for communities.
Leadership and training
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “We want to be a modern service that is ready for the challenges of Scotland’s future.
“We continue to see the impacts of climate change and this year our firefighters have worked tirelessly on a large number of outdoor fires.
“Fires of this nature are challenging for our crews and require a tremendous effort from our firefighters, including those who work on call, as well as our Operations Control staff. We continue to thank them for their dedication, professionalism and commitment.
“The Annual Performance Review also emphasises the importance of our continued partnership work as we work to provide protection and resilience for our communities across Scotland.”
Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhan Brown MSP said: “I greatly value the work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“The Annual Performance Review provides an opportunity to reflect on SFRS’s performance and to appreciate all that the service has done over the year.
“We will consider performance against the Scottish Government Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland, which sets out Ministers’ ambitions and priorities for SFRS as a world-leading, modern, skilled and dynamic fire and rescue service.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This annual performance review provides information on how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is adapting to current risks.
It shows the operational impact of wildfires, flooding and new hazards such as lithium-ion battery fires.
It highlights how service delivery is linked to both climate change and emerging technology.
It also sets out how collaboration across emergency services and with research partners is influencing future risk management.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service annual performance review outlines priorities for 2024–25: Summary
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service held its annual performance review in Ayr.
The review assessed the Service’s performance during 2024–25.
The Scottish Government used the meeting to consider progress against the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland.
The Service reported attending more than 74,000 incidents in the period.
There were 12 wildfire risk warnings between March and August 2025.
Since February 2025, 231 large outdoor fires have been recorded.
The 2023–26 Wildfire Strategy includes an investment of £1.6 million.
The Service has purchased wildfire PPE, ATVs, trailers and 4×4 support vans.
Flood response PPE and 200 life jackets have also been provided.
The Service launched a UK-wide lithium-ion battery safety campaign in 2024.
Collaboration continues with Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Fire Brigades Union.
The CivTech programme is developing firefighter contaminant exposure monitoring technologies.
Chief Officer Stuart Stevens and Minister Siobhan Brown MSP commented on the Service’s performance.
The review covered service delivery, prevention, protection, climate response and collaboration.
The review outlined how the Service is planning for future risks in Scotland.