Residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been reassured that Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service will be operating a reduced emergency service during a second strike this Saturday (October 19th).
The Fire Brigades Union has announced Saturday’s strike across the UK will take place for five hours between 6.30pm-11.30pm in a dispute with the Government over pension reforms.
Firefighters from Burnham-On-Sea look set to join the action and whilst the issue is a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government, every Fire & Rescue Service has a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can.
Chief Fire Officer for Devon & Somerset Fire & 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. 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, added: “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.”
