THERE will be "adequate" fire and rescue cover thanks to the efforts of retained crews, military personnel and non-striking firefighters, claims the chief fire officer for Hereford and Worcester.

As the country braces itself for the first national firefighters strike in 25 years, David O'Dwyer said he was confident the service could provide cover as retained firefighters would remain on duty and significant numbers of professional officers were not striking, though the service would be "stretched" .

He said the strike was not a firefighters strike, but a union strike. This meant some firefighters not belonging to the FBU had also vowed to remain at work.

Although 360 firefighters would be striking at any time, there would only be a shortfall of 30 firefighters on duty during the 48-hour period.

"This is a serious situation, but we have done all we can to provide emergency cover. I am confident we can provide cover for the two counties."

Mr O'Dwyer, during a visit to the Evening News today, said he was devastated that the strike was going ahead. But he added he was "very impressed" by the professionalism of the 150 military personnel trained in firefighting and rescue.