Wide-ranging changes to the fire service in Scotland could cost lives, says the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) is proposing the closure of up to 13 stations as well as new arrangements for night and weekend cover.
Despite assurances from senior officers that public safety will not be compromised, five stations in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Musselburgh could be shut down or merged.
The FBU says the service is "already on its knees" after a decade of what it calls real-terms cuts.
However, SFRS chief officer Stuart Stevens said: "I absolutely recognise the concerns that people will have because these are significant changes that we're proposing, but let me be clear - any changes we will make will only be done if it ensures the safety of the community of Scotland.
"This is a really important step for the organisation to make sure that the service is fit for Scotland's future."
The 23 options will be published on Wednesday and involve more than 30 fire stations in 14 local authority areas. The service has also warned that more changes are likely in years to come.