Firefighters ready to go on strike

The Fire Brigades Union has notified all Fire and Rescue Authorities, across England and Wales, that a strike is to take place on Wednesday September 25th between noon and 4.00pm.

Fire chiefs in Cheshire have insisted that a county-wide service will still be provided if planned action by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) goes ahead in their dispute over pension reform.

And service chiefs in Shropshire say they are fully prepared with back-up plans but they are asking people to make 999 calls only if they really do need a fire engine.

John Redmond, Chief Fire Officer for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It is predominantly our wholetime fire stations that will be impacted by the planned strike. Our part time, or On-call, staffed fire stations, which are largely based in the more rural areas of Shropshire, are less likely to be affected."

Businesses are being asked to play their part in reducing risk by checking automatic fire alarm systems,

Mr Redmond added: "Our priority is to respond to calls where a life may be at risk or someone needs to be rescued. If we respond to non-emergency calls then those most in need could be at risk.

"A non-emergency call could be to someone who is locked out of their house or where debris has fallen into the road. There are other agencies and organisations that can help in this instance".

Cheshire's Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock said: "We have put in place plans and procedures that will enable us to continue to protect the communities of Cheshire should the strike go ahead.

"Clearly, however, there will be fewer fire engines and firefighters available than normal and we will be launching a major safety campaign urging residents and businesses to take extra care during any periods of industrial action."

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