MEMBERS of the Fire Brigades Union will take strike action over the Christmas period on Christmas Eve from 7pm-midnight and from New Year's Eve from 6.30pm until Wednesday, January 1 at 12:30am and again on Friday, January 3 from 6:30am – 8am as part of a national trade dispute with Government in relation to the reform of Fire Service Pension Schemes.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service say they have "robust" contingency plans in place and will continue to operate business as usual as far as reasonably practicable during all periods of strike action throughout the Christmas season.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Derek Masson said: "We are fortunate to have a number of operational staff who are not affiliated with the Fire Brigades Union and will be working as usual during these periods of strike action.

“However, there is no avoiding the fact that our emergency response will be slightly reduced during this period.

"Fire-associated risks increase significantly over Christmas – from the distractions of a crowded house while cooking, impaired reaction times from alcohol consumption, dangers of overloaded sockets, flammable decorations and unattended candles, so I would encourage everybody throughout mid and west Wales to take extra care by familiarising themselves with our Christmas safety advice which is available on our website and social media channels.

"In the event of an emergency, however, the public must still dial 999 and an emergency response will be provided.”