A PROFESSIONAL fire and rescue services is to be maintained in Gloucestershire during upcoming strike action, residents are being assured.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for its members to carry out 24 hour industrial action from 7am on Wednesday February 25 to 7am on Thursday February 26 due to an ongoing dispute with the government over pensions.

Although the dispute is outside the control of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, whole-time staff and retained firefighters are members of the FBU and could support the strike.

Stewart Edgar, Chief Fire Officer for Gloucestershire Fire Service, said: "We are fully prepared for this industrial action and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure that the local community stays safe during this time. Our contingency plans are tried and tested and were proved effective in strikes last year.

"It's also important that residents and business owners take simple steps to protect their homes and workplaces during this strike period."

Local businesses and residents are being given the following advice to reduce the risk of fire: ensure fire alarms have been tested and are working; keep fire doors closed, with correct signage in place; make sure smoking policies are being rigidly enforced; switch off and unplug any unused electrical equipment where it is safe to do so; ensure refuse and waste is controlled and bins and skips placed away from buildings; supervise closely any work requiring the use of equipment which produces a flame or spark and avoid such work where possible; supervise and manage contract workers closely and make sure that lifts are well maintained and used correctly.

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: "We have always said that this isn't our fight, but we have made sure that we are fully prepared.

"It's very important that people are aware of how to stay safe from fires and what to do in case of an emergency. Making sure that you have a smoke alarm at home with a working battery is just one simple thing you can do to be prepared."

Residents are also being encouraged to avoid making unnecessary 999 calls. During times of industrial action the priority for crews is those incidents where a life is at risk or someone needs to be rescued.

Further arrangements have been made for potential large-scale incidents, including sharing resources of neighbouring services.

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