Local fire service calls for public to take extra care during strike action

Following Tuesday's announcement by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) that it will mount a four-hour strike on Wednesday 25 September, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed it will maintain a level of service to local communities, in line with legal requirements.

The strike, which will be actioned between 12noon-4pm, has been confirmed following a ballot of FBU members over a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “Like all other Fire and Rescue Services, we have contingency plans prepared and will now put these arrangements in place ahead of the first strike. We will continue to respond to 999 calls and will do everything we can to keep the public safe, including during any national fire strike.”

Phil Martin, Head of Community Fire Safety for the Service, said: “You can help us 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.”

Businesses are also reminded to be mindful of their responsibilities, as during periods of industrial action the Service may not be able to respond to fire safety enquiries within its usual timescales. It remains the responsibility of employers, landlords and other premises occupiers to comply with fire safety law. The latest information and advice for businesses can be seen at www.dsfire.gov.uk.

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.