NORTH Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said it attended four incidents during a four-hour strike by firefighters last night – two automatic fire alarms, a false smoke alarm and a vehicle leaking fuel.

“During the strike period, we had over half our fire engines available, across the whole service area, to attend incidents if they were required,” said a spokesman.

Humberside's service said it attended eight incidents during the strike, organised by the Fire Brigades Union in a dispute over pensions, but did not specify what they involved.

Deputy chief fire officer Dene Sanders said: “The Service continues to be tested by this national dispute but is continually assessing and reviewing its contingency plans so that the best possible service can be delivered to the community at times of strike action.

“We will continue to provide an adequate service during strike action and to achieve this we need to draw on some of our current staff as well as reservists to provide that service; their efforts are very much appreciated.”