Firefighters across Essex are set to walk out today (August 6) as a national dispute over cuts to frontline services continues.

Members of the Essex Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will go on full strike between 9am and 6pm, with all union members other than control room staff affected.

In an online statement, Essex Fire and Rescue Service said extra arrangements are in place to make sure fires are attended but the public was urged to help by being “safer, slower and vigilant”.

Assistant chief fire officer, Paul Hill, 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 periods over the weekend will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.”

People have been asked to check smoke alarms and “keep an eye” on vulnerable friends, families and neighbours during the strike.

Strikes have previously been held in reaction to Essex Fire Service’s plan to cut at least 179 firefighters and control staff across the county – a quarter of full-time workers.

Union members also claim recent changes to shift patterns have made childcare difficult to arrange and taken rest periods from staff.

“Industrial action short of a strike” will recommence at 9am tomorrow after the full strike today.