Firefighters' bonfire warning

FOR the first time in 25 years Lewes firefighters, along with those across the country, will go on strike next week for more pay.

FOR the first time in 25 years Lewes firefighters, along with those across the country, will go on strike next week for more pay.

And as the industrial action looms they are urging householders to cut back on bonfire activities, outside of the main November 5 celebrations, in the interests of safety.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They have also asked Lewes businesses not to leave refuse outside their premises, particularly at night.

The firefighters will be providing full cover in Lewes on November 5.

And Newick celebrations on November 2 will be covered by Barcombe's retained firefighters.

Dates

The strikes, unless a pay settlement is reached, run from 9am next Tuesday until 9am on Thursday, from November 2 until November 4 at the same times, and from November 6 until November 14.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If there is still no settlement, there will further strikes from November 22 to November 30, from December 4 until December 12, and from December 16 to December 24.

Instead of the full cover of 13 full-time and 12 retained firefighters with two appliances, the Lewes area, including Cooksbridge, Glynde, Firle, Ringmer, Rodmell and Falmer and points in between, will be in the hands of two Green Goddesses stationed at Brighton and manned by Royal Navy personnel.

Eastbourne, Hast-ings and Crowboro-ugh will also each have two Green Goddesses stationed in those towns.

Goddesses

The Goddesses are 50 years old, do not carry breathing apparatus or cutting equipment, and have a top speed of 35mph.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Said Rob Martin, sub officer at Lewes: 'The last thing we wanted to do was to go on strike. We are fully aware that Lewes will be relying on inadequate cover and therefore at risk.

'None of us wants to do it, but this is a long road we have been down nationally and as a union we see no alternative. We want parity with other services.

'We are however very relieved to be on duty on Bonfire Night. We are aware that November 5 is the night of the highest fire risk in the town.'

Firefighters are asking people to be extra vigilant while the strike goes on, and not to take unnecessary risks with bonfires or fireworks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And they have leafleted the local community via schools and commercial premises saying: 'In July, 1996, a serious fire occurred in Cliffe High Street which required 14 fire appliances to extinguish.

'The fire was found to have been started deliberately in bags of refuse left close to a shop. Since then there have been at least seven fires in refuse left outside buildings in Lewes.

'It is vital that an extra effort is made during periods of reduced fire cover to reduce the risk of fire. Otherwise it is feared that buildings will be lost.

'Therefore you are urged not to leave refuse outside buildings at any time, particularly overnight.'

Firefighters are asking for a 39 per cent pay increase. They have been offered four per cent.