THE REGION'S fire chief has issued safety advice in the wake of the firefighters' decision to take strike action.

Firefighters throughout the country will stage a series of strikes over the next two months.

The action was called after 88 per cent of the country's firefighters voted for industrial action in support of a 40 per cent pay claim - increasing a qualified firefighters' salary from £21,500 to £30,000.

The first 48-hour strike begins at 9am on October 29.

There will be reduced fire cover across the region, with soldiers manning Army green goddess engines that will be drafted in to take over.

There will be a slower response than normal in dealing with emergency situations, including fires, road traffic incidents and chemical incidents.

County fire officer Barry Dixon emphasised the importance of fire safety during the strike action: "At this difficult time the safety of the community remains our number one priority. Everyone can help themselves, their neighbours and friends by remaining extra vigilant and taking extra care in their homes and on the roads. The Army will do all that it can to provide the county with fire cover but it cannot possibly provide the same level of cover usually provided by the fire service.

"We will be doing our very best to keep everyone informed of developments."

Precautions people should take in the home are:

* Fit a smoke alarm and check the battery regularly;

* Prepare an escape plan - in the event of a fire it is important that all family members understand what to do;

* Never leave cooking unattended;

* Fully extinguish all smoking materials;

* Keep lighters and matches out of children's reach;

* In the event of fire call 999 and give clear information;

* Once out of the property, stay out and meet the appliances.

After the first 48-hour strike, a one-day strike is planned for November 2 to 3. Crews will be on duty for Bonfire Night but then plan to stage more strikes in November and December, of up to eight days at a time.