RESIDENTS are being urged to be vigilant with safety today during industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union.

Members of the union are due to strike for the 14th time over Government proposals for their pensions between 10am and 5pm.

The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief fire officer, Rod Hammerton, said: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority understand why staff are taking industrial action but we have a duty to do all that we reasonably can to make sure the communities of South Wales remain protected.

“During these periods we urge our communities to be extra vigilant as they go about their business. During strikes we will continue to provide fire cover but it will not be anywhere near the normal levels, but the public can be assured life critical incidents will be responded to as a priority.”

Auxiliary Reserve Units will deal with the vast majority of the calls the service usually receives during this period. However this is a significant reduction from its usual levels o cover and the service will need to carefully deploy the units to where life is most at risk.

Mr Hammerton added: “The way for the public to stay safe is avoid having an accident in the first place and to take their own precautions.”