Plans in place for next round of FBU strikes

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is putting contingency plans into place to deal with the latest industrial action by members of the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU).

The union has declared that it will strike between 10am and 7pm on Thursday 10 July as part of a day of action by public sector workers.

In addition to that, a series of short strikes will be held over eight consecutive days:

• Monday 14 July - 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 15 July - 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm
• Wednesday 16 July - 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm
• Thursday 17 July - 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm
• Friday 18 July - 6am to 8am and 11pm to 1am
• Saturday 19 July - 11am to 1pm and 11pm to 1am
• Sunday 20 July - 5pm to 7pm
• Monday 21 July - 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm

It is expected that personnel at the wholetime fire stations at Swindon, Stratton, Westlea, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury will be unavailable for emergency calls at these times. The on-call stations at Calne, Warminster, Melksham and Pewsey will also be on strike.

The Service has established a range of plans in order to maintain cover across the county, which will include crews responding from alternative locations. On-call stations unaffected by the strike should also be providing an emergency response as usual on all strike dates.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Aldridge said: “As on previous occasions, we will have reduced resources during these strike periods. We will respond to 999 calls, but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive. On 10 July, we will also have some Corporate staff who are members of UNISON out on strike, and we have plans in place to manage that impact as well.”

Some top tips on staying safe during the strike:

• ALWAYS make sure your smoke alarms are working and test them once a week.
• DO NOT leave cooking unattended he majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high risk area. Avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol and always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• If you smoke, make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished. Take particular care when you’re tired or been drinking, as it’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning.
• Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire – get out, stay out, call 999.
• If you’re out on the roads, drive to the conditions and never drive if you’ve been drinking. Remember, it’s better to arrive a few minutes late than not arrive at all.

For further safety advice, visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/fbustrike