RESIDENTS are being urged to take extra care during a firefighters’ strike over the bank holiday weekend.

Industrial action is planned for today, between 12pm and 5pm, Saturday, between 2pm and 2am and on Sunday, from 10am until 3pm.

It is part of an ongoing dispute between The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the government over pensions. Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said it will be providing a reduced emergency response over the period. Darran Gunter, chief fire officer, said: “We will still be responding to 999 calls. Only ring 999 if a fire engine is really needed.”

He added: “We are urging members of the public to take extra care to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home or on our heathland.

Dorset Fire and Rescue will be using on-call firefighters to crew around 50 per cent of the normal amount of fire engines.

For fire safety advice call 01305 252600 or see dorsetfire.gov.uk