Firefighters to strike over eight days

The industrial action will take place from Saturday, August 9, to Saturday, August 16, between noon and 2pm and 10.59pm and 11.59pm.

It is the latest in a series of strikes called by the FBU in opposition to Government changes to firefighter pensions.

A major concern for the union is an increase of the normal pension aged from 55 to 60, which it says could put jobs at risk.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “It is absolutely ludicrous that a government can impose a scheme which means that firefighters will have to ride engines and rescue people from fires up to age 60.

“This is unsafe and unrealistic for both firefighters and the public.”

Dave Ramscar, chief fire officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has plans in place to ensure that we continue to provide an emergency response within the county. We accept that any planned industrial action will impact on our ability to deliver business as usual, but we are confident that the implementation of our plans will enable us to continue to answer 999 calls and to respond to incidents as quickly as possible.

“We continue to remind people to take care when going about their daily business, and that there is further safety advice available on our website and on Twitter @lincsfirerescue.”