Firefighters in Warwickshire are striking again

These will be the seventh, eighth and ninth strikes since the end of September over the Fire Brigades Union’s ongoing dispute with the Government over proposed changes to pensions

Strikes will take place between 7pm and midnight on Tuesday December 24, 6.30pm on Tuesday December 31 and 12.30am on Wednesday January 1 and 6.30am and 8.30am on Friday January 3.

Greg Pace, area commander for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The FBU has announced further strike dates for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and early January, when celebrations will be in full swing. We know people will want to enjoy a peaceful Christmas and welcome in the New Year in a joyous way.

“We urge people to be extra careful with Christmas lights, decorations and candles in the home and as careful out on the roads when going to or returning from celebration events.

“Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service will implement its contingency plan to provide the best possible fire service to the community whilst strike action takes place.

“Again to remind people we will be taking 999 calls during the strike but we won’t be able to respond to all requests as we anticipate a reduced level of cover. We have run a number of exercises to test our contingency planning to prepare for the strike.

“Our focus will be to prioritise calls where a life may be at risk or if someone needs to be rescued, our response must be to those most in need of our assistance.

“We would ask people to make 999 calls wisely so that only emergency calls are made but if in doubt then they must not hesitate to still call 999.”

For advice on how to avoid causing fires, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue