FIRE chiefs have warned residents to be vigilant as crews prepare to strike.

Firefighters in Essex are set to strike between 9pm and midnight tomorrow, August 11, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s head of safer communities has issued advice to "help the public to help themselves" while there is reduced fire cover.

Assistant chief fire officer Gary Fleming said: “Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal.

“But anything we can do to reduce the number of non emergency calls will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.”

In advance of the strike, families are being urged to check their smoke alarms are working, keep an eye on any vulnerable neighbours, friends and family and help them to check theirs.

“If they don’t have one, you still have time to fit one,” said ACFO Fleming. “Smoke alarms have proved time and again that they are invaluable life saving devices and with or without industrial action will give people early warning and time to escape a fire.

“In the event of a fire – get out, stay out, call the fire service out.

“We should all know how easily a fire can start and it is a good idea now to pay extra attention to the frequent causes of fire. Though we are issuing this advice now – it is good advice at all times.”

The walkout is part of a series of strikes as firefighters protest over planned changes to crews to help cut costs.