DORSET will be hit again by further strikes by firefighters.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced two further strike dates as part of an ongoing dispute with the government over pensions.

The dates of the walkouts are Thursday, June 12 at 9am for 24 hours and from 10am-5pm on Saturday, June 21.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service says it will again be providing a reduced emergency response during the action.

Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter said: “As with the previous strikes we will once again be putting our contingency arrangements in place.

“We are disappointed the FBU and the Government have not been able to come to an agreement about the firefighters pension scheme at this stage.

“It is important to stress that this is a national dispute.”

He added: “We have put plans in place to ensure Dorset Fire and Rescue is able to respond to incidents, but we would ask members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home. We will continue to work with all our partners locally to ensure businesses; homes and our environment can be kept as safe as possible from fire during these periods of industrial action.”

The strike action relates to a dispute between the FBU and government over the government’s reforms to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme.

DFRS will be issuing fire safety advice in the run up to this latest round of strike action.

For further information visit dorsetfire.gov.uk or for fire safety advice call 01305 252600.

Below is important safety information for the public from the fire service: • Ensure that you have a working smoke alarm in your home.

• Plan and test your escape routes in the event of a fire or major incident. Keep exits clear, identify where door and window keys are kept should you need to escape in an emergency.

• Don’t overload sockets. Use one plug in one socket or use a tested ‘bar’ type of extension lead rather than a ‘block’ type of adaptor.

• Switch off appliances at the wall when not in use • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, preferably in a high cupboard or drawer.

• Place candles on a heat proof holder or dish. Ensure that it is not near flammable items such as wallpaper, curtains, nets etc. Never place candles on top of TV or DVD sets. These are highly combustible.

• Never leave cooking unattended to answer the phone, pop to the shops etc. Always turn it off.

• Do not smoke in bed. Ensure that all smoking materials are extinguished before you fall asleep.