Take Extra Care Ahead Of Bonfire Night As Firefighters Take Further Industrial Action

The Fire Brigades Union will take further industrial action from 18:00hrs on Friday 31 October through to 18:00hrs on Tuesday 4 November in a continued dispute with government about pensions.

Dene Sanders, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“We continue to be tested by this national dispute and are continually assessing and reviewing ours contingency plans so that the best possible service can be delivered our community.”

“As with the previous strikes, we will provide an adequate service during this time and to achieve this we need to draw on some of our current staff as well as reservists to provide that service.”

The announcement comes ahead of this years’ 5th November activities and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to ‘take extra care’ when there will be fewer firefighters at work.

Community Safety Manager, Allen Cunningham said:

“We don’t want to spoil people’s fun, but I urge people to enjoy this time of year responsibly. I would encourage people to attend organised events rather than putting on their own bonfire and fireworks displays, as this is often where problems can occur and we need our recourses to be available should they be needed elsewhere.”

Organised public displays are listed on the Humberside Fire and Rescue Services website

CFO Sanders continued:

“Whilst the industrial action is taking place we will still respond to 999 calls, a level of service is in place but we are asking people to only call 999 if they really do need a fire engine.”

“Our priority will be to respond to those calls where lives are at risk. However, I must emphasise that you should still call 999 in an emergency so that an experienced control room operator can deal with your situation.”