FIREFIGHTERS are advising people to take extra care this week as they go on strike.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service began industrial action today (Monday) between 6am and 8am.

They will also go on strike later today from 5pm and 7pm.

The strikes will continue at the same time each day until Thursday.

On Friday (July 18) the action will take place from 6am until 8am and then from 11pm until 1am the next day.

There will be strikes from 11am until 1pm and 11pm to 1am on Saturday, July 19, between 5pm and 7pm on Sunday and from 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm on Monday, July 21.

During this period of strike action will see HWFRS operating a reduced service.

Adrian Elliott, Group Commander of HWFRS said: "We are encouraging motorists and residents to take extra care during the strikes when there will be reduced fire cover.

"Not all of our firefighters are members of the Fire Brigades Union which means some stations will be working normally but people should be aware that it may take us a little longer to respond to calls in some instances.

"During the firefighter strikes, we want people to be clear about what to do in the event of a fire. The most important point they need to know is that they will still get an emergency response and they should not be tempted to tackle fires themselves.

"General fire safety messages that we promote throughout the year become even more crucial at times of strike action.

"An early alert to a fire in your home is just as important for avoiding injury and damage to property, and we would also like to remind people to install a smoke alarm on every floor of their home and to test each alarm is working on a weekly basis."

He also encouraged people to plan an escape route and to make sure everyone in the house is aware of it.