Brighton and Hove fire crews called out on strike next week

Fire crews in Brighton and Hove have been called out on strike by their union in the middle of next week.

The Fire Brigades Union has announced a strike over pensions for Wednesday 25 September between noon and 4pm.

Chief Fire Officer Des Prichard said that emergency cover would be provided throughout the strike.

Further dates may be announced, according to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Prichard said: “We are ready to respond to emergencies.

“We have contingency crews made up of experienced, qualified and fully fit firefighters who are not members of the FBU.

“We have only just received confirmation of the time and date of the industrial action and are finalising the specifics of our arrangements to provide cover.

“Further details will be released closer to the time.

The brigade said: “Our message remains, if you have a fire during the industrial action, dial 999, get out and stay out.

“Our control room staff will answer and deal with the calls in the usual way.

“We will give priority to emergencies where lives are at risk and would ask all members of our communities to think about how they can help stay safe while this industrial action takes place.”