Firefighters in Essex will go on strike as planned tomorrow (August 6) between 9am and 6pm but fire engines will still attend emergencies.

The industrial action is in protest at job cuts to 187 roles, which will shrink the number of firefighters overall from 656 to 477, a reduction of 25 per cent.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has resilience arrangements in place to ensure fire cover is maintained across the county but the public is being urged to play a part in keeping risk to a minimum.

Paul Hill, assistant chief fire officer, said: “Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal, but anything we can do to reduce the number of non-emergency calls during the strike periods over the weekend will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.

“In advance of the strike, families are being urged to check their smoke alarms are working. Keep an eye on any vulnerable neighbours, friends and family and help them to check theirs. If they don’t have one, you still have time to fit one.

“Smoke alarms have proved time and again that they are invaluable life saving devices and with or without industrial action will give people early warning and time to escape a fire. In the event of a fire – get out, stay out, call the fire service out.

“We should all know how easily a fire can start and it is a good idea now to pay extra attention to the frequent causes of fire. Though we are issuing this advice now – it is good advice at all times.” added Mr Hill.