FIRE chiefs say a second strike by firefighters planned for next weekend could be "more challenging" to cover.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) are due to walk out next Saturday, October 19, from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

The strike would be the second this year after firefighters left their posts for four hours at lunchtime on Wednesday, September 25.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said it was disappointed that the dispute between the union and the Government over pensions had not been resolved.

Deputy chief fire officer, Stuart Errington, said: “This second strike date could potentially be more of a challenge for all fire services across the country as higher volumes of calls are usually received on Saturday evenings as compared to Wednesday afternoons, when the first strike took place.”

Mr Errington said the service would again use trained fire officers working alongside non-FBU members to deal with fires and other emergencies.

“The plans we have in place will ensure that, should this strike go ahead, people in County Durham and Darlington can still receive a professional response in the event of a fire or other emergency.”

Like the first strike, Cleveland Fire Brigade will cover the walk-out with experienced crews supported by auxiliary firefighters.

Ian Hayton, chief fire officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said the auxillaries performed well during the last strike.

“The brigade received only two calls during this period of disruption and these were dealt with in the same way we deal with all calls at other times.

“We anticipate that we will be busier during this five-hour strike as it is across a time of day and day of the week that usually attracts greater demand for emergency response services.”

Both forces have urged the public to take extra care during the strike.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said the union had hoped the first strike was enough to show Government that firefighters were serious about “protecting public safety and ensuring fair pensions”.

He added: “No firefighter wants to strike, and it’s desperately disappointing that governments in Westminster and Cardiff continue to deny reality over pensions costs and the need for a pension scheme that reflects the job firefighters do.

“We hope this second strike will mean both governments will be willing to discuss the full range of concerns that firefighters and the general public have expressed.

“However, more strikes cannot be ruled out if that’s what it takes to protect public and firefighter safety from these ludicrous attacks.”

But Fire Minister Brandon Lewis branded the second strike date as “totally unconstructive and unnecessary”.

“The FBU themselves have said that this dispute can only be resolved through dialogue, discussion and negotiation.

“The FBU agreed not to strike in Scotland based on principles almost entirely the same as our offer, so their decision for further industrial action in England makes no sense.”