Firefighters will go on strike on Friday for almost 100 hours as they continue to protest changes to their pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union will walk out at 6pm and not go back to work until 6pm on Tuesday, November 4.

The general public are being advised to take extra care when using fireworks in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Roy Wilsher, director of community protection and chief fire officer, said: “Our contingency arrangements have stood up well during previous strike action, however with fewer resources our ability to respond to incidents is reduced, therefore I urge the public to play their part again and take extra care during the strike action.

“We will be responding as quickly as possible to serious incidents. In the event of a fire you should still get out, stay out, and call 999 – you will get an emergency response.

“We continue to hope that the government and FBU can resolve their dispute and that further walkouts can be avoided.”

Firefighters are protesting because under government proposals they would have to work until they are 60, pay more into their pensions and get less in retirement.

They can currently retire at 55.

Councillor Richard Thake, cabinet member for community safety, said: “We’re extremely disappointed that the FBU has announced yet more strikes. This ill-conceived strike will leave the people of Hertfordshire at increased risk.”