THE FIRE Brigades Union is to strike today (Friday) in a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.

They will strike from 6:30am - 8:30am and Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Howell, said: “Fire and Rescue Services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place ahead of this date of industrial action. Our plans have worked well during the previous periods of action, but we are asking the public to help us again by taking extra care.

“We will continue to respond to 999 calls and do everything we can to keep the public safe.”

Phil Martin, Head of Community Fire Safety for the Service, said: “You can help us again by taking extra care and time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service.”