Notts: Second festive fire strike passes off peacefully

The Service received 14 999 calls between 6.30pm on 31st December and 12.30am on 1st January, only seven of which required an operational response.

Among the incidents attended were a road traffic collision, where the vehicle was made safe, entry into a property where an individual had collapsed, and two tree fires.

Firefighters once again provided an emergency response to incidents with contingency crews recruited to help cover periods of industrial action, and firefighters who were not members of the FBU.

The crews responded from locations across the county identified as offering the most appropriate operational cover and resilience.

Chief fire officer Frank Swann said: “Once again we have been able to provide limited operational cover to meet the demands placed on us during this time.

“I would like to thank all those people in our communities who took our advice and took extra care in helping to prevent incidents, both during the two periods of industrial action experienced so far this Christmas, and across the whole of the festive break.”

“I would also ask them to be mindful of the next period of industrial action which takes place tomorrow (Friday, 3rd January) between 6.30am and 8.30am and be extra vigilant in keeping themselves and their families safe.”

“Our thoughts and hopes as we welcome in the New Year is for an early resolution to this dispute between the Government and the Fire Brigades Union.”