Fire crews from Brighton and Hove take part in 24-hour strike

Fire crews from Brighton and Hove are taking part in a 24-hour strike in a long-running dispute with the government about changes to their pensions.

The strike, called by the Fire Brigades Union, started at 9am today (Tuesday 9 December) and is due to end at 9am tomorrow (Wednesday 10 December).

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service issued a safety warning, with concerns exacerbated by the need to maintain a presence at a fire in Newhaven.

Fire crews, including from Brighton and Hove, have been tackling the blaze at the Skip It yard in North Quay Road in Newhaven since Friday (5 December).

The fire service urged people to take extra care to prevent fires, especially kitchen fires which are among the most common, and it urged drivers to stay safe on the roads.

It said: “Contingency crews will be on duty, ready to respond to emergencies but there will be reduced levels of cover.

“With winter setting in, people are being asked to do what they can to reduce the need to call 999.

“Make sure you are winter-ready for the roads Roads can quickly become more treacherous during the winter.

“Make sure you are prepared by checking your vehicle is roadworthy. Tyres, windscreen wipers and lights should all be in good condition. Replace anything which isn’t working.

“Remember to slow down and keep your distance from the car in front of you. It takes much longer to stop in the wet and fallen leaves can be just as slippery and treacherous for motorists as driving on ice.

“If your vehicle loses its grip, or ‘aquaplanes’, on surface water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.

“Don’t brake or steer suddenly because you have no control of the steering or brakes.

“Staying alert and preparing for the worst can help keep you, your family and your property safe.

“During extreme weather, we prioritise calls where lives may be at risk through a risk of fire or other emergencies.

“For example when flood water is affecting electrics in buildings, where a building or structure has become dangerous to passers-by or when there has been a road traffic collision.

“Where lives are not at immediate risk, a number of other organisations may be better placed to help.”