THE region is being urged to stay safe next week when firefighters go out on strike on eight consecutive days over an ongoing pensions dispute with the Government.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will take part in industrial action for two, two hour periods every day from Monday, July 14 to Monday, July 21, except on Sunday when there will be just strike period.

The action will be from 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm on the weekdays, except Friday when the later strike period will run from 11pm to 1am on Saturday.

On Saturday, July 19 the action will be from 11am to 1pm and 11pm to 1am on Sunday morning, which will be followed by a 5pm to 7pm strike later that day.

From 7pm on Monday, July 21 the FBU will take part in industrial action short of a strike.

Emergency services are advising residents and businesses to protect themselves from the risks of fire and road traffic accidents.

People are also urged to test smoke alarms this weekend and consider an escape plan should there be an emergency at their premises.

Stuart Errington, deputy chief fire officer for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The majority of these strikes will take place during rush hour periods in the morning and in the evening.

“We would advise people who are travelling to and from work to take extra care on the roads.

“As more than 60 per cent of home fires start in the kitchen we are reminding everyone to take extra care when cooking.

“We would advise people not to cook late on Saturday evening, especially if they have been drinking alcohol. Picking up a take away could be a far safer option.”