FIREFIGHTERS manned picket lines through the night as they carried out their first 24-hour strike.
More than 600 firefighters in Nottinghamshire walked out at 9am yesterday morning in an ongoing dispute with the government over pensions.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) says the proposed raising of pension age from 55 to 60 will put older members at a higher risk of dismissal on the grounds of failing fitness tests and make them eligible for their pensions.
There had been no major incidents when The Post went to press. Events such as the police siege in Sneinton were attended by contingency crews.
However, Notts Fire and Rescue did not provide The Post with a full breakdown of calls during the strike.
Sean McCallum, chair of the Nottinghamshire FBU, said the strike so far had been a success. He said: "It is a sombre day. We don't want to strike but our firefighters have a solid determination to win through this.
"We joined to help people because we care about the community and us striking shows the gravity of the situation. Nobody is taking any joy out of it."
Mr McCallum also said he was unaware of any discussions to bring the strike to a close, so it was likely to continue for the full 24 hours.
John Buckley, Nottinghamshire's chief fire officer, was keen to highlight the dispute was between the FBU and the Government, not with the Notts Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: "The service has a statutory responsibility to provide an emergency fire and rescue response, and that includes during times of industrial action.
"That is what we will do. I sincerely hope that the parties involved can resume negotiations to bring this dispute to a speedy resolution."
This strike was due to end at 9am this morning.
But another strike is set for Saturday June 21 and will again be for 24 hours if talks don't resume between the FBU and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
A spokesman for the department said: "All fire and rescue authorities have robust and well-tested plans in place that include back-up support if needed.
"Public safety will remain the primary focus and if anyone needs emergency assistance they should dial 999."
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