The Fire Brigade’s Union (FBU) have announced that they have plans to start taking strike action that will disrupt our fire-fighting and fire safety service from 23 October 2010.

The London Fire Brigade has a legal duty to provide a fire and rescue service at all times and has contingency arrangements in place to keep London safe.


The FBU initially intends to strike on the following days:

Saturday, 23 October from 10am to 6pm
Monday, 1 November from 10am to 6pm

During this time the London Fire Brigade has the following safety advice:

  • if you have a fire, call 999
  • take extra care – especially when you are cooking or smoking
  • know what to do if you have a fire – get out, stay out, call 999.

They have also provided the following practical advice:

  • make sure that you have a smoke alarm, check that it works and change the battery if you need to
  • make sure you know how you would get out of your home if there is a fire - and that everyone in your home knows
  • stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully
  • put candles out, use a snuffer or a spoon, it’s safer than blowing them out when sparks can fly
  • double check the cooker is off
  • turn heaters off and put up fireguards
  • turn off and unplug electrical appliances, unless they are designed to be left on - like your fridge
  • close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading
  • make sure exits are kept clear
  • keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.

You can find further information and advice on the London Fire Brigade website.