Firefighters to strike on Wednesday

The Fire Brigades Union claims the strike is necessary because of the “unworkable” pension scheme Westminster wants to implement.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Government ministers have ignored three written requests in the last few weeks by the union to meet to try to resolve this dispute.

“Government ministers are quick to call this union ‘militant’ and yet it’s them who still refuse to talk to us when we remain ready to meet and negotiate at any time.”

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Chris Kenny urged the public to be extra vigilant during the strike.

He said: “This is a national dispute between the FBU and Government and is not a dispute between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and our firefighters.

“We do have a significant number of our staff who have given a commitment to maintain emergency cover and as a result the public can be reassured the service plan to keep fire engines in Lancashire operational during the dispute period.

“We would urge all members of the public to be extra vigilant however and be aware that for minor fires in particular, there may be a longer wait for a fire engine.

“I ask the public to take extra care to prevent a fire happening and encourage them to access the website we have set up to offer advice on how to do that at www.takeextracare.com.”