Public urged to take care during firefighter strike
Update: The FBU strike ended without major incident in the Devon today (25 September).
Commenting on today's four-hour strike by firefighters over government attacks on pensions Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said: "This was solidly supported strike action by firefighters across England and Wales. It has demonstrated their anger and their determination.
"This strike was a last resort after the government refused to negotiate - and a warning shot that firefighters are serious about keeping a fair, safe and workable pensions scheme.
"Firefighters across the country are reporting a fantastic response from the public, who seem to understand that the government's proposals on pensions are ludicrous.
"We haven't ruled out further industrial action, but let's hope common sense wins out, public safety is put first and the government comes back open to compromise."
The public and business community are reminded to take care during the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) strike between 12pm and 4pm today (25 September)
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have made contingency plans to ensure all 999 calls are answered during the strikes but still ask the public to be extra careful this afternoon.
While the majority of fire stations across Devon should operate as usual during the strike, some locations will be affected by a reduced response time.
A pool of non-FBU firefighters will respond to emergencies in these areas, but may take longer to respond than usual.
Unlike previous national strikes, there is no provision to use military assistance for emergency cover.
The FBU is one the three operational unions and is the only union taking industrial action. Both the Retained Firefighters Union and the Fire Officers Union will continue work as usual.
The strike, which is over a pension dispute with the government, saw 80% of FBU members vote in favour of industrial action.
Firefighters have some of the highest pension payments in the public and private sector on average paying 13% of their salaries on pension payments. The FBU also fears that the majority of firefighters over 55 could lose their job without access to their pension.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said: “This initial strike is a warning shot to government. Firefighters could not be more serious about protecting public safety and ensuring fair pensions. Governments in Westminster and Cardiff have simply refused to see sense on these issues.
“It is ludicrous to expect firefighters to fight fires and rescue families in their late-50s: the lives of the general public and firefighters themselves will be endangered.
“None of us want a strike, but we cannot compromise on public and firefighter safety.”
Businesses are being strongly encouraged to check their fire safety arrangements as automated alarms will not be attended until it has been confirmed with a 999 call.
The vast majority of automated fire alarms usually attended by the Service are false alarms.
Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “The majority of our stations will be available and the public will get a response to an emergency wherever they are in Devon and Somerset.
“Although there will always be a response, due to the likelihood of a reduced service, we will be prioritising calls to emergencies where there is a risk to life.
“Periods of industrial action are always difficult for everyone involved and the public can help us at this time by taking extra care. The public and business owners will find safety advice on our website www.dsfire.gov.uk.”
The national strike has been announced as part of a dispute between the Fire Brigades Union and Government over proposed changes to pensions.
During periods of industrial action, every Fire & Rescue Service in the UK has a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s advice is to take extra care with these six steps:
• If you haven’t already got one, install a smoke alarm and test it every week
• Take extra care in the kitchen - this is where most fires start
• Check your electrical appliances - turn them off and don’t overload sockets
• If you smoke, put cigarettes out properly
• Sleep safe - check everything in your home every bedtime
• Plan a safe escape - make sure you know how to get out of your home in an emergency
The government which has so far not reached an arrangement with the union has joined Fire and Rescue authorities accross the country in calling for the public to be more aware of fire dangers today.
Cllr Kay Hammond, Chair of the Local Goverment Association's Fire Services Management Committee, said:
"Communities and businesses which rely on the essential service provided by firefighters will be hugely concerned by the FBU's strike action this week. Fire and rescue authorities will do everything they can to minimise the risk to public safety and all have contingency plans in place for day-to-day cover.
"But it would be wrong to pretend the service provided by fire crews, who are also regularly called to road accidents and weather incidents such as flooding, will be unaffected. That is why the public needs to be more careful than ever to reduce the risks of fire and to help them make the best use of their resources by avoiding preventable 999 calls.
"Making sure your smoke alarm is working, ensuring boilers are properly serviced, turning off unused electrical items and taking extra care when cooking are all simple ways to make sure people remain safe."
Find more safety advice and literature to download, including a poster to remind people to Take Extra Care during periods of Industrial Action, on www.dsfire.gov.uk.
