Two firefighter strikes held this morning (Monday) and Friday have passed without a major incident in Comet country.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received eight calls in total during the two walkouts, held between 6-8am this morning and 6.30-11pm on Friday.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) decided to strike as a dispute over pensions continues.

Councillor Richard Thake, Cabinet member for community safety at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Despite fewer resources being available during the further FBU strikes all serious incidents were attended to and dealt with appropriately. We are disappointed that further walkouts took place and we hope a speedy resolution will be found to this dispute in the interests of all concerned.”

Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer Roy Wilsher said: “The contingency plans that were put in place have stood up well. Staff who remained at work and officers from the wider community protection team did an excellent job and we have been delighted by their dedication and commitment.

“We would like to thank everyone who took extra care during the strike action and heeded the safety advice given prior to the walkout.”

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “The next step forward for pension negotiations is simple and achievable.

“If the government is serious about firefighters being protected from being sacked without access to their pensions as it claims to be, why won’t it draft the pension regulations accordingly?

“We have even made it easy for them by providing the necessary wording following legal advice.”