FIREFIGHTERS will go on strike today as part of a dispute over pensions. 

Members of the Fire Brigade Union will stike across Essex between 12pm and 5pm. 

Although working firefighters will provide cover across the county, Essex County Fire and Rescue is asking the public to be safer, slower and vigilant. 

Residents are also be asked to keep an extra eye on vulnerable and elderly neighbours. 

Further strikes are planned for between 2pm tomorrow and 2am on Sunday and between 10am and 3pm on Sunday. 

Paul Hill, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: “Fire engines will still be attending emergencies and the public should continue to dial 999 as normal.

“But anything we can do to reduce the number of non-emergency calls during the strike periods over the weekend will clearly assist us in ensuring our service delivery is directed to those areas where it is most needed.”