FIREFIGHTERS across Somerset and the rest of the country are going on strike from 6.30am to 8.30am tomorrow (January 3).

It is the latest in a series of walkouts in protest at Government proposals for pension reforms.

Chief Fire Officer for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Lee Howell said: “Fire and rescue services have contingency plans and ours will again be put into place ahead of this date of industrial action.

“Our plans have worked well during the previous periods of action, but we are asking the public to help us again by taking extra care. We will continue to respond to 999 calls and do everything we can to keep the public safe.”

Phil Martin, head of community fire safety for the DSFRS, said: “You can help us again by taking extra care and time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service.”