BATTLE lines are being drawn between firefighters and the fire service – again.

Yet another strike will take place on Thursday.

Firefighters claim the service plans to cut about 179 firefighters, close stations and reduce the number of fire engines and other appliances.

The fire service claims there are 50 per cent fewer call-outs and is now consulting on what should be done as a result.

For the public this could mean months or years of strikes.

The next well be on Thursday, from 9am until 6pm.

Members of the Fire Brigades’ Union in Essex had a four-year dispute with the service over cuts which was only resolved a couple of years ago.

Then there was a national strike regarding pensions and changes to conditions. Now the local dispute has reignited.

Alan Chinn-Shaw, Essex Fire Brigades’ Union secretary claims the fire service is being dismantled and lives are being put in danger.

But acting chief fire officer, Adam Eckley, said: “The action is unjustified, unnecessary and preemptive, especially while the fire authority is in the middle of undertaking its largest consultation exercise ever around the potential for future changes to the service.

“No decisions have been made about the future size or structure of the service and decisions will not be made until spring 2016.

“During that period the FBU has every opportunity to engage to help to shape the changes.

“The tactic of the FBU to only call station-based supervisors and on call firefighters out on strike next week means that the service is left with 18 fire stations staffed by approximately 100 firefighters who will be unable to respond to emergencies when they occur, but will still be being paid.

“This means the service has to pay for additional resilience cover which is likely to cost the taxpayer in Essex an extra £40,000 for Thursday’s strike alone.

“This is on top of a cost of around £123,0000 for the last period of strike action in June.

“Our fire service needs to change, modernise and adapt.

“Rather than striking, I would strongly encourage the FBU to get engaged in the consultation process and help shape our future service.

“However if strike action goes ahead, the communities of Essex, Southend and Thurrock can rest assured the service has excellent resilience arrangements and will continue to deliver a resilient and effective fire and rescue service.”