TONIGHT IS ONE of the busiest nights of the year for fire services as thousands mark Halloween with bonfires and fireworks.
Ireland’s services are already busy, receiving as many as 12 calls a minute in the capital.
However, some services in the United Kingdom have gone on strike in a row over pensions, accusing the government of not offering any new options despite two months of talks.
“Firefighters will not stand by and see our members’ pension rights destroyed by a government which does not give a damn about the safety or wellbeing of firefighters in the long term,” Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union said.
“The public do not want 60 year olds tackling fires. Everyone understand the stupidity of these plans – except government Ministers.”
The government has moved to reassure the public that “robust and well-tested plans” are in place to provide back-up support if needed in the event of a large fire.
The strike by members of the FBU is expected to continue until the 4th of November.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say