A NEW Year’s Eve strike by firefighters in Dorset passed without incident.

Crews walked out between 6.30pm and half past midnight as their fight against changes to their pension arrangements continued.

Another strike is set for tomorrow between 6.30am and 8.30am.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said they had a quiet evening despite heavy rain and strong winds. The brigade will once again be providing a reduced emergency response service during tomorrow’s strike.

Residents are urged to be prepared. More than half of fires in the home attended by Dorset firefighters in 2013 started in the kitchen. People are asked to take particular care when cooking. If you do have a fire, get out of the house, stay out and call 999.

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 during the festive period, to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home.

“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.

“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.”