Firefighters in Hertfordshire are about to go on strike for five hours tonight (Tuesday) in a dispute over pensions.

Union members will walk out between 7pm and midnight – but have agreed to be recalled in the event of serious incidents where large numbers of people are at risk.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “Firefighters on duty over the festive period don’t have much to celebrate this year and tonight’s strikes will remind the Government of the service we provide 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, every year of our careers.

“Nobody wants these strikes but firefighters remain extremely angry over the prospect of being priced out of their pensions and facing the sack owing to the Government’s ludicrous pretence that men and women of 60 can meet the same fitness standards as 20 year olds.”

Further strikes are scheduled between 6.30pm on New Year’s Eve and 12.30am on New Year’s Day, and 6.30am and 8.30am on Friday, January 3.