Sixteen further strikes by Cambridgeshire fire fighters over the next fortnight were announced today by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

They will be on top of the 23 stoppages already clocked up since the dispute escalated nearly a year ago.

The dates and times of the strikes announced are listed below:

• Saturday, August 9: midday until 2pm

• Saturday, August 9: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Sunday, August 10: midday until 2pm

• Sunday, August 10: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Monday, August 11: midday until 2pm

• Monday, August 11: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Tuesday, August 12: midday until 2pm

• Tuesday, August 12: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Wednesday, August 13: midday until 2pm

• Wednesday, August 13: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Thursday, August 14: midday until 2pm

• Thursday, August 14: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Friday, August 15: midday until 2pm

• Friday, August 15: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

• Saturday, August 16: midday until 2pm

• Saturday, August 16: 10.59pm until 11.59pm

A Cambs fire service spokesman said: “As well as these individual strikes, the FBU has called for industrial action short of strike on the same days. Further information is not yet available.”

The spokesman said they were calling on residents and businesses to ‘Be Safer... Be Slower... Be 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,” said the spokesman.

Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg said: “These latest strike periods follow a similar pattern to the previous series, presenting a significant escalation to the dispute between the FBU and the Government.

“These short strike periods will mean providing an emergency service to the residents of Cambridgeshire will be difficult and the Service is now looking into how it will provide cover during the industrial action. However, the disruption to our day to day work will be substantial.

“We urge residents across the county to take extra care to help reduce the chances of a fire or road traffic collision happening.”