A four day strike has been called by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

Firefighters will be taking strike action from 6pm on Friday October 31 through to 6pm on Tuesday November 4.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is calling on residents and businesses to be extra vigilant during these periods of industrial action.

Plans are being put in place to ensure fire cover across the county is maintained and that emergency 999 calls are responded to.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland said: “It is disappointing that the dispute between the FBU and the government has not concluded resulting in these dates being announced.

“We will be working hard during the coming days to ensure our resilience arrangements are in place to provide emergency cover across the county. However, due to the length of the strike, it will be difficult for us to provide our normal level of service.

“We urge all residents to take extra care next weekend, whether it be out on the roads or in the home, as we anticipate it being a busy time with Halloween celebrations and fireworks displays.

“Ensure you have checked you have a smoke alarm on every floor of your property and test them all before the weekend.”

The public is asked to follow the ‘Be Safer... Be Slower... Be Vigilant’ routine:

• Continue to dial 999 as normal. Be aware that calls may be prioritised.

• Smoke alarms - make sure you’ve got one and check it works.

• Know what to do in the event of a fire - get out, stay out and dial 999.

• Share fire safety - talk to friends and family.

• Ensure any open fires or candles are fully extinguished and disposed of safely.

• Plan your escape route if there is a fire in your home and close doors when you go to bed.

• Do not overload electrical sockets and turn off appliances when not in use.

• Don’t make any unnecessary road journeys and take extra care when driving.

For further information on the strike and further safety advice, log onto www.cambsfire.gov.uk.