HALLOWEEN will mark the start of a planned four-day national firefighters strike, as a long-running dispute with the Government over pensions continues to escalate.

Members of the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU) are set to walk out at 6pm on Friday, with the strike not due to end until the day before Bonfire Night.

The union has accused the Government of "spoiling for a fight" after talks over a negotiated settlement stalled, with the planned changes meaning firefighters could work into their 60s.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said the Government's pension plans are expensive and unworkable.

He said: "Firefighters are incandescent following two months of negotiations which have led to no new proposals.

“Firefighters will not stand by and see our members’ pension rights destroyed by a government which does not give a damn about the safety or wellbeing of firefighters in the long term

“The public do not want 60-year-olds tackling fires. Everyone understand the stupidity of these plans – except ministers."

Mr Wrack's comments were endorsed by the FBU's North-East executive committee member Andy Noble, who said firefighters in the region were particularly angry at the situation.

The Government’s withdrawal of military support during industrial action means that, for the past five years, fire authorities across the country have had to be self-reliant during walk-outs.

Both County Durham and Darlington and Cleveland fire brigades have stressed there are robust plans in place to provide a fire and rescue emergency response during the strike.

Trained fire officers and non-union members will provide a response, supported in Cleveland by community volunteers trained as auxiliary firefighters.

Stuart Errington, deputy chief fire officer for County Durham and Darlington, said: "We are disappointed that there is still no negotiated settlement to this national dispute.

"We will be following tried and tested plans to provide a professional response during strike action.

"We would advise people to take extra care and follow some simple steps to reduce the risk of fire. "One of the most important actions is to make sure that there are working smoke alarms fitted."

Ian Hayton, Cleveland's chief fire officer, added: "We will respond promptly to all emergency calls, as we have in previous industrial action, and the community volunteers who have been trained as auxiliary firefighters will play an important part in that response."