PEOPLE are being warned to be extra vigilant to prevent blazes in their homes as Spa firefighters prepare to strike over pay.

Droitwich's Fire Station, in Friar Street, will be unmanned for a total of 36 days up to Christmas as the town's firefighters strike in a bid to get an £8,500 a year pay rise.

This week, leading firefighter Colin Pullen said that Spa folk must do all they can to avoid fires.

"This is the time that townspeople need to fit smoke alarms and work out a plan to get out of the house if there is a fire.

"They need to unplug electrical items at night and shut all of their doors before going to bed."

He went on to explain that there will be a total of six green goddesses which will be based in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, although none will be based at Droitwich.

"If there is a fire in the Spa a green goddess, if available, will be sent out from either Worcester or Kidderminster but they only travel at 35mph so it is vital that people plan for that situation now.

"Our fight is not with the public it is with our employers, so if any member of the public wants help with fire prevention please don't hesitate to contact us here at the station - we will be more than willing to help them."

The firefighters will strike for two days from next Tuesday and then on a number of days throughout the next three months, with the longest period of strike action being eight days.

If people discover a fire within that time they are urged to still call 999 and ask for the fire service in the normal way.