WILTSHIRE Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care when firefighters go out on strike tonight.

As part of a national dispute between the Fire Brigades’ Union and the Government over pension reforms, firefighters will be walking out for five hours from 7pm on 24 December.

The Fire & Rescue Service will be providing a reduced emergency response, although fire cover is being maintained across the county.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “Obviously Christmas Eve is a time when people just want to relax and enjoy the start of the holidays with family and friends.

“Although we will have reduced resources, and it may therefore take us a little longer than usual to arrive, I would reassure people that, if they have an emergency and ring 999, we will respond.”

He said these tips will help families stay safe: Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted and test them regularly.

Don’t leave cooking unattended.

Businesses should ensure that any staff members working on the evening of Christmas Eve are briefed on what to do in an emergency. l Drive to the speed limit and to the conditions – and don’t drink and drive.

Should you have a fire, get out, stay out and call 999 – the Fire & Rescue Service will respond.

The FBU has said it will strike from 6.30pm to 12.30am on New Year’s Eve and from 6.30am to 8.30am on 3 January.