PEOPLE enjoying festive celebrations this weekend are urged to be extra vigilant as Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members prepare to strike

The strike action will take place today Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, between 6pm and 10pm on both evenings and will see Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) operating a reduced service.


Mark Preece, area commander from HWFRS, said: “These strikes have been called on two weekend evenings so many people may be out enjoying themselves and travelling to festive celebrations.”

“We are encouraging motorists and residents to take extra care during the strikes when there will be reduced fire cover. Not all of our firefighters are members of the Fire Brigades Union which means some stations will be working normally but people should be aware that it may take us a little longer to respond to calls in some instances.

“General fire safety messages that we promote throughout the year become even more crucial at times of strike action Of course, an early alert to a fire in your home is just as important for avoiding injury and damage to property, and we would also like to remind people to install a smoke alarm on every floor of their home and to test each alarm is working on a weekly basis.”

He also encouraged people to plan an escape route and to make sure everyone in the house is aware of it.

For the latest information on the strikes, keep checking the Advertiser website.