Firefighters will walk out today in the first of two planned strikes.

Members of The Fire Brigades Union will be on strike between 9am and 6pm today, and again on Tuesday (September 1).

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has resilience arrangements in place to ensure fire cover is maintained across the County, but are warning people to be extra vigilant.

Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal,” said assistant chief fire officer Paul Hill.

“But anything we can do to reduce the number of non-emergency calls during the strike periods over the weekend will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.”

In advance of the strike, families are being urged to check their smoke alarms are working.

Businesses and schools should always follow up with a call during strike periods, even if they have an automated alarm.

Strike action has been called as unions continue to fight for better pensions and pay.