Fire service ready for festive strikes

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is prepared for more strikes by members of the Fire Brigades Union over the festive period.
But the service is confident that it is ready to handle the upcoming industrial action – although it is calling on the public to be extra vigilant over the festive period.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union have announced a further three periods of industrial action.
The first will take place between 7pm and midnight tonight
the second between 6.30pm and 12:30am on New Year’s Eve and the third from 6.30am until 8.30am on January 3.
A Cheshire spokeswoman said: “It is important to highlight that the strikes being proposed relate to national issues rather than local ones and that action will only be taken by those staff that are members of the
Fire Brigade’s Union.
“We do have plans and procedures in place that will enable us to continue to protect the communities of Cheshire during strike periods. However, as we do have less fire engines available we would once again encourage everyone to take extra care during the strike.”
Chief Fire Officer, Paul Hancock, said: “Despite the timing of these strikes I would like to reassure residents that we will still be providing an emergency response service during these strikes, however, it is more important than ever than people take extra care and follow our key safety messages.
“Be especially careful not to overload plug sockets with Christmas lights and remember to switch them all off before you go to bed.
“It is also important for anyone enjoying Christmas and New Year parties and celebrations to remember not to start cooking when you have had a drink – it is one of the biggest causes of and potentially most dangerous kind of house fire.
“Also remember to leave cars at home if you are thinking of having alcohol – never drink and drive.”