THE Fire Service is reminding people to 'take extra care' when firefighters go out on strike this week.

As part of a national dispute between the Fire Brigades' Union and the government over pension reforms, a 24 hour walkout will take place between 9am today and 9am tomorrow.

During this time, the Fire and Rescue Service will be providing a reduced emergency response, although fire cover is being maintained across the county.

Chief fire officer at Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Simon Routh-Jones said: "While the industrial action is on-going, we will still respond to 999 calls but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive. We would therefore urge everyone to take extra care to stay safe, which will hopefully reduce the number of calls we receive."

Chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Stewart Edgar said: "Our contingency plans are tried and tested and have proved effective during the strikes earlier this year.

"We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that the local community stays safe during strike action."

The following top tips will help people to stay safe during the strike:

  • Always make sure you have working smoke alarms and test them every week.
  • If you're going out, take five minutes to unplug unused electrical items, make sure no sockets are overloaded, close all internal doors and test your smoke alarms.
  • Make these checks before you go to bed - and ensure that you and anyone else in the property knows how to get out in the event of a fire.
  • Be careful if you decide to light candles or tea lights - left unattended, these can easily lead to fires starting. Be particularly careful not to place candles near to Christmas decorations, cards or wrapping paper.
  • Avoid leaving cooking unattended, especially if you've been drinking or are on medication. If you've been drinking, it's much safer to get a takeaway than to cook while under the influence of alcohol.
  • If you smoke, dispose of cigarettes carefully and don't smoke in bed. Ideally, smoke outside as this reduces the risk of fire. Make sure matches and lighters are kept away from children.
  • Be careful if you decide to light candles or tea lights - left unattended, these can easily lead to fires starting.
  • Businesses should check their fire risk assessments and ensure that staff members are fully briefed on what to do if an emergency happens.
  • If you're out on the roads, drive to the speed limit and to the conditions - it's better to get there a few minutes late than not at all.

If anyone does have a fire during the strike period, they are urged to get out, stay out and call 999. The Fire and Rescue Service will respond.

For more advice for homes and businesses, visit wiltsfire.gov.uk/fbustrike