WILTSHIRE Fire & Rescue Service is finalising its contingency plans to deal with another day of industrial action by members of the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU).

As part of its on-going national dispute with the Government over pension reforms, FBU firefighters will be going on strike from 9am on Tuesday, December 9 until 9am on Wednesday, December 10.

In line with previous strikes, it is anticipated that personnel at the wholetime fire stations in Salisbury will be unavailable for fire calls over the 24-hour period.

Other on-call stations in the county, which are unaffected by the strike, should be providing fire cover as usual and the Service has again used this availability to establish a range of plans to maintain fire cover across the county. This will include crews responding from alternative locations if required.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “This is a national dispute between the FBU and the Government, which has seen FBU members going out on strike over 50 times in the 14 months. It is therefore a bitter blow that we are having to resource another walkout, especially at a time when our communities should be relaxing and enjoying the build-up to Christmas.”

He added: “During the industrial action, we will still respond to 999 calls, but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive and, with larger premises, we may send a smaller attendance than usual in the first instance. With people already celebrating the festive season, it’s even more important than normal for everyone to take extra care.”

For further safety advice, visit wiltsfire.gov.uk/fbustrike