The council has advised locals to be extra careful today, as a national fire strike will be taking place.
The strike is part of an ongoing national dispute between the Fire Brigades’ Union and central Government over proposed changes to firefighters’ pensions.
It will run from 9am on Tuesday 9 December 2014 until 9am on Wednesday 10 December 2014.
Fire engines will be crewed by a combination of non-striking firefighters and personnel provided by Surrey County Council’s contingency contract with private company Specialist Group International (SGI) to help keep residents safe.
Final staff figures will not be known until the strikes begin, although there will be fewer than normal, and the council has advised everyone to ‘take extra care during this period’.
During the last strikes from Friday 31 October to Tuesday 4 November there were up to 11 fire engines, about half of Surrey’s normal capability.
Striking firefighters can legitimately picket outside their place of work, providing they comply with the picketing code of practice.
Firefighters will be free to access fire stations during strike hours. They will work and be paid as normal for the non-striking part of the shifts.
