Dorset Firefighters In Four Hour Strike

25 September 2013, 07:12 | Updated: 25 September 2013, 07:14

Dorset firefighters will go on a nationwide strike this afternoon in a dispute over pension reform.

Members of the Fire Brigades' Union are walking out between noon and four.

They're asking people to only call 999 if there's a genuine need for a fire engine.

Their Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said:

"While the industrial action is ongoing we will still be responding to 999 calls, but we are asking members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home.

Fires can start for a variety of reasons, from cooking being left unattended, to electrical faults or candles being placed too close to furnishings.

The best advice we can give is for everyone to ensure they have a smoke alarm in their home and to check the battery is working at least once a week''.

He added: "Smoke detectors provide an early warning of a fire and can give occupants vital extra minutes to escape, especially at night.

But a smoke alarm can only save your life if it is working and the battery is checked regularly."