PEOPLE in Gloucestershire are being reassured a professional fire and rescue service will be maintained in the county despite further strike action.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called for its members to strike from 10am to 7pm on Thursday in a row over pensions.

Thursday's strike is the first in a series of walk outs from Monday, July 14 to Monday, July 21.

About 130 full time staff and a number of retained firefighters are members of the FBU and could support the strike and further arrangements have been made for potential large-scale incidents, including sharing resources of neighbouring services.

Stewart Edgar, Chief Fire Officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have significant contingency plans in place in the county, which have been proven to be effective in previous strikes.

“We would never be complacent however, and I would urge residents and business owners to make sure they do everything they can to stay safe in their homes or workplace.”

Meanwhile, residents are being encouraged to take steps to ensure their families are safe at home.

Fires can start for a variety of reasons, from cooking being left unattended, to electrical faults or candles being placed too close to furnishings.

Residents have been advised to ensure they have a smoke alarm in their home and to check the battery is working at least once a week.

For more information and advice for residents, visit glosfire.gov.uk or direct.gov.uk/firekills.