FIREFIGHTERS in Wiltshire will go on strike on Thursday as part of a wider day of action by public sector workers.

They will walk out between 10am and 7pm as part of the Fire Brigades Union’s long-running fight over changes to pensions and the retirement age.

They will also stage a series of two-hour strikes over eight consecutive days from Monday.

Salisbury will be among the county’s full-time fire stations unavailable for emergency calls during the stoppages, along with Swindon, Stratton, Westlea, Trowbridge and Chippenham.

The on-call stations at Calne, Warminster, Melksham and Pewsey will also be on strike.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service says it is putting together contingency plans involving crews responding from other locations.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Aldridge said: “As on previous occasions, we will have reduced resources during these strike periods.

“We will respond to 999 calls, but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive.

“On July 10, we will also have some corporate staff who are members of Unison out on strike, and we have plans in place to manage that impact as well.”

The service is reminding people to check their smoke alarms, never to leave cooking unattended, to make sure cigarettes are properly put out, and to ensure that everyone in the family knows what to do in case of a fire – get out, stay out, and call 999.