Firefighters To Strike Twice In December

Firefighters have announced that they will strike twice throughout December.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public across the region to ‘take extra care’ at home and on the roads following the Fire Brigades Union’s announcement that firefighters in England and Wales will take further industrial action on Friday 13th December between 6.00pm and 10.00pm and Saturday 14th December between 6pm and 10pm.

The number of firefighters from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service expected to make a protest by striking is high and will result in a reduction in the resources available. The service will to respond to emergency calls by prioritising the deployment of the available resources at its disposal and focusing on the protection of life

Chief Fire Officer, Simon Smith, stressed: “Attention to fire safety in the home and road safety is of paramount importance, but even more so during these times.

“The Fire Brigades Union has chosen to strike at times of the day when the risk to people’s safety is inherently more significant – on a Friday and Saturday evening, people are likely to be out socialising and drinking or cooking at home entertaining family and friends.

“Of particular concern to us at this time of year of course is the likelihood that people will be out celebrating in the run up to Christmas which again increases the risk to safety.

“North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has arrangements in place to continue to provide a service during strike action” but warned that, “because of the circumstances, services may be limited.”

“The Service’s business continuity arrangements will ensure a speedy and safe return to normal services on conclusion of any period of industrial action.”

Members of the public who may need to call the fire and rescue service regarding a non-urgent matter during a period of industrial action are requested to consider waiting until strike action ends to make that call.