Firefighters set for third strike

Strikes are planned for tomorrow (Friday) from 6.30pm to 11pm and on Monday from 6am to 8am.

Gary Phillips, deputy chief fire officer for Warwickshire said: “It’s regrettable that the FBU has announced further strike dates, especially as the new dates are so close to Bonfire Night when demands on the Fire and Rescue Service can be higher.

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

“This strike will be held on a Friday evening when people are relaxing and we’d like to call on everyone to be extra vigilant over safety in the home.

“We’d also like to call on people to take extra care on the roads on Friday evening and on a busy Monday morning.”

The service will be taking 999 calls during the strike but crews will not be available to respond to all requests due to the reduced level of cover.

People are being asked to make 999 calls wisely so that only emergency calls are made but if they are in doubt then they should still call the number.

Mr Smith said: “Our focus will be to prioritise calls where a life may be at risk or if someone needs to be rescued.”