FIRE crews were called to only a few minor incidents during a seven-hour walk out on Saturday (June 21).

Fire Brigades’ Union members of Avon Fire and Rescue Service staged the protest from 10am to 5pm as part of an ongoing dispute with the government over pensions.

During the strike, a skeleton service operated from six strategic locations across the area and cover was provided by firefighters who are not part of the FBU working alongside auxiliary firefighters who have received training to provide basic support to fully qualified crews.

They dealt with 11 incidents in total, all of which were of a minor in nature.

They included a call to Station Road, Yate at 10.50am where a fence was on fire. One crew was sent to the scene but found it was a controlled blaze and the call out was a false alarm with good intent.

At 3.40pm, one crew was called to Holloway Road in Hallen where a 20-tonne lorry was in danger of catching fire.

Firefighters used a jet pack with foam and water sprays to cool the engine of the vehicle. The cause of the incident was said to be accidental.

The public had been warned that due to the reduced emergency service on Saturday, which saw temperatures reach 24 degrees, longer response times should be expected as calls were prioritised towards those where there is a risk to life.

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson said: “Simple things like ensuring you do not leave cooking unattended, making sure you check smoke alarms are working and rehearsing escape routes with your family will certainly help you stay safer.

“Business owners and managers should also check their own fire risk assessments.”