FIREFIGHTERS are preparing to go out on strike for 24 hours this week in an ongoing dispute over pensions.

But fire chiefs have moved to reassure the public that safety measures will be in place in case of any emergencies.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will walk out between 7am on Wednesday (February 25) to 7am on Thursday (February 26).

Union chiefs claim firefighters face the sack or a reduced pension if they fail fitness tests.

Matt Wrack FBU general secretary said: “Government ministers have ignored three written requests in the last few weeks by the union to meet to try to resolve this dispute.

“Government ministers are quick to call this union ‘militant’ and yet it’s them who still refuse to talk to us when we remain ready to meet and negotiate at any time.

“Firefighters from all across the UK are attending a rally in Westminster on Wednesday in a ‘No More Lies’ protest aiming to hold this government accountable for the way it has misled Parliament, the public and firefighters alike.”

A spokesperson from Merseyside Fire and Rescue stressed: “The public should be reassured that firefighters who are not taking part in the industrial action will maintain an emergency response capability and there will be fire appliances available continually during throughout.

“We urge people ahead of this date to test their smoke alarms and ensure they have one on each level of their home.

“However we will continue our community fire prevention activities during this period including home fire safety checks recognising the importance of providing fire safety information at such a time.

“During any industrial action we always ask the public to take extra care and be vigilant taking care not to leave food cooking unattended and take care with candles and to put out cigarettes fully.”