Keep safe alert ahead of strike (From Western Telegraph)

Keep safe alert ahead of strike

PEMBROKESHIRE drivers are being urged to share transport to work during the upcoming firefighters strike to reduce the number of cars on the road.

The warning comes from divisional chairman of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), Roger Curran, who has also advised people not to make any non-essential journeys and to take extra care while driving.

Mr Curran has also warned people not to take any chances in the home. He said: "People should take plugs out, keep doors closed, plan escape routes and check the batteries in their smoke alarms."

Following the collapse of national pay negotiations, the county's firefighters will join national strikes on October 29th-30th and November 2nd-3rd. Strike action will intensify towards Christmas, covering November 6th-13th and 22nd-29th and December 4th-11th and 16th-23rd in a series of eight-day stoppages.

Details of emergency fire cover have not yet been released but it is understood that members of the RAF, Army and Royal Navy will man two antiquated Green Goddess vehicles - one based in Haverfordwest and the other in Pembroke.

The vehicles, with a top speed of 50 mph, will be supported by two specialist units, providing breathing apparatus and cutting equipment. A control room has been set up at police headquarters in Carmarthen and police officers will act as guides for the military personnel.

An MOD spokesman said there was no intention to replace the fire service and that the military aim was to 'minimise the danger to human life'. There is major concern over the risk posed by industrial activity around the Milford Haven Waterway.

Texaco press officer, Jane Walton, said the Pembroke refinery has its own highly trained firefighting crew. She said that as an additional precaution Texaco will not undertake any non-essential maintenance work on strike days.

Petroplus and the TotalFinaElf refinery also have on-site firefighting crews.

Milford Haven Port Authority, which co-ordinates activity within the waterway, is conducting a risk assessment involving the refineries, along with Irish Ferries and Svitzer Marine, whose Haven fleet includes two firefighting tugs.

Port Authority spokesman, John Ambrey, said there would be a policy of heightened awareness and the authority's emergency plan would be activated if necessary. However, overall control will continue to be the responsibility of the Fire Brigade.

Roger Perry, regional health and safety officer for Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade, said industrial incidents - such as the explosions aboard the Pointsman in 1984, which seriously injured nine firefighters - supported the FBU's claim for increased pay. Mr Perry said: "If there is a major incident like the Texaco fire then I am sure we would walk off the picket line, but there would still be a dangerous time lapse."