Firefighters across Cambridgeshire will go on strike next Wednesday – and people are being asked to take extra care and be more vigilant.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out between noon and 4pm as part of an ongoing dispute about pensions.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had a plan in place to deal with the FBU action, but has issued guidance on its website, www.cambsfire.gov.uk urging residents to help keep 999 calls to a minimum.
Chris Strickland, deputy chief fire officer in Cambridgeshire, said: “We would like to reassure members of the public that we will still be able to attend 999 calls, where a person’s life is at risk, including house fires, road traffic collisions and vehicle fires.
“We will be doing this by using fully-trained fire and rescue service officers to crew our fire engines.”
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “This initial strike is a warning shot to the Government.
“Firefighters could not be more serious about protecting public safety and ensuring fair pensions. Governments in Westminster and Cardiff have simply refused to see sense on these issues.”
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