Firefighters across Essex will walk out for 24 hours today as the Fire Brigade Union continues its campaign against government pension reforms

Essex Fire Brigades Union members will join colleagues from across the country in strike action from 9am.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it has arrangements in place to ensure fire cover is maintained across the county, but manpower will be reduced significantly.

“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 period 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 and remind vulnerable neighbours to do the same.