Businesses and public asked to "take extra care" during firefighters' strike

The Fire Brigades Union has announced another strike date on Friday 1 November from 6.30pm to 11.00pm. The strike is due to a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.

In a statement, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Whilst the issue is a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government, every Fire and Rescue Service has a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can."

Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Howell, said: “Fire and Rescue Services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place ahead of this date for industrial action. The majority of our stations will be available. Our plans worked well during the first period of action, but we are asking the public to help us again by taking extra care. We will continue to respond to 999 calls and do everything we can to keep the public safe.

Phil Martin, Head of Community Fire Safety for the Service, said: “You can help us again by taking extra care and time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service. You will find FAQs and lots of fire safety advice on our website, www.dsfire.gov.uk.”

The Fire Service has also reminded businesses to be mindful of their responsibilities: "it remains the responsibility of employers, landlords and other premises occupiers to comply with fire safety law."

Devon and Somerset Fire and 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

Find more safety advice at www.dsfire.gov.uk.