Don’t cook up trouble during strike, warn fire chiefs

Manpower at the fire service will be severely depleted between 6.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday (19) as crews go on strike over pay and pensions and Chief Fire Officer James Courtney hopes to lessen the chances of emergency call-outs by urging people not to cook under the influence.

Chief Fire Officer James Courtney said: “We know that Saturday night can be a busy time for us, with people coming home after a night out and trying to cook.

“Alcohol makes you uncoordinated, more likely to fall asleep and less likely to escape if something does catch fire. So our message couldn’t be simpler — buy a takeaway instead.

He added: “Our emergency response service will be significantly reduced during the strike period, so the best way to stay protected is to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home.

“If you do discover a fire don't attempt to tackle it yourself get out, stay out and still call 999.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s top tips for staying safe during Saturday’s strike are:

Do not attempt to cook after a night out and never use a chip pan.

Have an escape plan: plan how you would get out if your house caught fire at night.

Remember the bedtime routine: switch off electrics and close internal doors at night.

Test your smoke alarms by holding down the ‘test’ button until it beeps.

To sign-up for free smoke alarm test reminders visit pressthebutton.co.uk.

For more fire safety advice call 0114 253 2314 or visit www.syfire.gov.uk.