Derbyshire firefighter strike underway

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) walked out at 7am this morning in a long-running dispute over pensions.

During the strike, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is providing an emergency response, but at a reduced level.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson, spokesperson for DFRS said: “Whilst the industrial action is on-going, we will still be responding to 999 calls; however we are asking people to only call 999 if they really do need a fire engine.

“Our priority during times of industrial action is to respond to those priority calls where a life may be at risk or someone needs to be rescued. If we respond to non-emergency calls then those most in need of our help could be at risk.

“A non-emergency call could be to someone who is locked outside their house, or where someone is stuck in a lift. There are other agencies and organisations that can help in this instance.”