NUMBERS of fire calls were down during the last firefighters' strike – but fire chiefs today issued fire safety advice.Graham Smith, Suffolk's assistant chief fire officer, said: "Our contingency plans will be in place as they were for last week's industrial action and it is vital that people remember that the 999 emergency system will continue to operate.

NUMBERS of fire calls were down during the last strike – but fire chiefs today issued fire safety advice.

Graham Smith, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Suffolk Fire Service, said: "Our contingency plans will be in place as they were for last week's industrial action and it is vital that people remember that the 999 emergency system will continue to operate.

"Although we will not be able to offer the same level of emergency cover, we will again be doing our best to maintain a level of fire and rescue cover in what will clearly be very difficult circumstances.

"Numbers of fire calls reduced during the first two-day strike last week. This suggests the people of Suffolk were taking care and heeding our fire safety and call-reduction advice. With the prospect of additional, longer periods of strike action, that advice remains ever important. "

The key fire safety messages are:

l In the event of fire get out, stay out and call 999

l Don't be tempted to tackle fire by yourself

l Pay extra attention to fire safety in the home and fit smoke alarms

l Take extra care on the roads.