Members of the Fire Brigade Union will strike from 7am today with leaders warning the public of the depleted service.

Firefighters across the country are walking out for 24 hours as part of an ongoing dispute over changes to pensions.

A rally is due to take place today in Westminster. 

London Fire Brigade and the Essex fire service warned there will not be a normal service during the strike, with less serious incidents such as fire alarms and bin fires left unattended.

London fire commissioner Ron Dobson said: “As this is the first strike in three months there is a real concern that people will have forgotten about our arrangements and the incidents contingency crews will attend.

“There will be twenty seven fire engines available across London but we will not be providing our usual service so people must take steps to prevent fires.

“Keep a closer eye on your cooking, make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished and never leave candles unsupervised.

“I’d particularly like Londoners to look out for vulnerable residents especially those with mobility issues.” 

Essex assistant chief fire officer Paul Hill said emergencies would still be attended and warned people to check their fire alarms are working.

He said: “Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal.

“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.

"Keep an eye on any vulnerable neighbours, friends and family and help them to check theirs."