Firefighters are set to go on strike again

But East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says contingency crews will be ready to respond to emergencies when members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) take industrial action.

The FBU has announced a strike will be held for five hours, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm, tomorrow (Saturday). It is the second recent period of industrial action.

Crews of non FBU members and retained firefighters will be on standby.

The service’s contingency plans are based on a careful assessment of risk, analysis of past incidents and the availability of resources.

ESFRS are reminding residents in the event of a fire, to get out of the building, stay out and call 999. ESFRS will respond to emergency calls, prioritising those where lives are at risk.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Des Prichard said: “We remain fully committed to keeping our communities safe throughout this dispute.

“Our contingency plans will provide emergency cover but this is inevitably below our usual level. We are asking the public to do what they can to reduce the risk of fire and limit the number of incidents we are called out to.”