Residents are being asked to be extra vigilant following news that members of the Fire Brigade’s Union will be taking part in strike action on what are historically two of the busiest days of the year for the fire and rescue service.
There will be significantly reduced fire service cover between 19:00 and midnight tonight (Christmas Eve) as well as between 18:30 and 00:30 on New Year’s Eve next Tuesday. These are the longest periods of strike action announced since industrial action began, putting increased pressure on contingency plans.
At Christmas, there is greater risk of fire due the increased amount of combustible items in homes, such as Christmas trees and decorations. People are being warned never to leave burning candles unattended, to switch electrical items off when not in use, and to take extra care when cooking late at night, particularly if under the influence of alcohol.
With very limited fire cover on New Year’s Eve, people are advised not to let off fireworks. If people plan to do so, then extra care and all necessary precautions should be taken. Fireworks should be a lit away from properties, keep buckets of water nearby, use a bucket of dry soil to put used fireworks in and wear suitable protection such as gloves when handling fireworks.
During strike action, fire cover will be maintained on the Island by non-Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members who will attend life-critical incidents such as house fires or road traffic incidents. People should continue to dial 999 in an emergency.
Firefighters will also strike on 3rd January 2014 for two hours from 06:30.
Steve Apter, chief fire officer, said:
“Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are two of the busiest times of the year for fire services across the country and I would urge everyone to be extra cautious. Although the Island will have fire cover for both evenings and FBU members will also attend life critical incidents, the service will be reduced during the strike periods and we cannot guarantee a response to all calls. “We do not want people to worry and they should continue with any plans they have to celebrate Christmas and New Year but, however we ask people to be mindful and take extra care.”
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Photo: Daniel Poole
