Firefighters’ strike tomorrow across Isle

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service ask people to be especially careful while reduced fire crews are operating from 9am tomorrow until 9am on Wednesday.

The strike by Fire Brigade Union members is over planned changes to their pensions by the Government that would raise the retiring age of firefighters. Matt Wrack, FBU General secretary said: “We cannot accept that firefighters in England will be penalised simply because the Westminster government refuses to consider the evidence on the risks to firefighter fitness related to aging.

“We have won the argument on this issue for the past three years. We face a government which refuses to negotiate or even to listen to reason. Therefore this fight will carry on.”

A lesser emergency response service will operate during these periods so Humberside Fire and Rescue is asking for help from the local community.

Dene Sanders, Chief Fire Officer at Humberside Fire and Rescue, said: “Whilst the industrial action is taking place we will still respond to 999 calls, but we are asking people to only call 999 if they really do need a fire engine. Our priority will be to respond to those calls where lives are at risk.

“We must prioritise our calls for those who are most in need of our assistance. However, I must emphasise that you should still call 999 in an emergency so that an experienced control room operator can deal with your situation. You must not try and call your local fire station directly.”