Firefighters in Merseyside to stage 24-hour strike Tomorrow.....

Firefighters in Merseyside start a 24-hour strike tomorrow.

Residents in Formby and Southport urged to take extra care, not leave cooking food unattended, and extinguish cigarettes fully while industrial action takes place.

Industrial action will begin at 7am on Wednesday (February 25), lasting until to 7am on Thursday (February 26).

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said: “The public should be reassured that firefighters who are not taking part in the industrial action will maintain an emergency response capability and there will be fire appliances available continuously during industrial action.

“We urge people, ahead of this date to test their smoke alarms and ensure they have one on each level of their home.

"However, we will continue our community fire prevention activities during this period including Home Fire Safety Checks – recognising the importance of providing fire safety information at such a time.

“During any industrial action we always ask the public to take extra care and be vigilant, taking care not to leave food cooking unattended and take care with candles and to extinguish cigarettes fully.”

All 999 calls will be answered and trained firefighters, who are not members of the FBU, are on duty to respond to emergency calls.

For free fire safety advice go to www.merseyfire.gov.uk or call 0800 731 5958.

Story and Photo Source: Southport Visitor