Four-day fire strike announced

“Significantly” fewer engines will be available during the industrial action over pensions between 6pm on Friday and Tuesday evening.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue has contingency plans and chief fire officer James Courtney said: “In a genuine emergency, we will get there, but it will take us longer than normal.

“With that in mind, now is the ideal time to test your smoke alarms and make sure you have an escape plan for getting out of your house quickly and safely in the event of a fire.”

Residents are also advised not to use chip pans or leave cooking unattended and to take extra care with fireworks or attend organised displays instead.

Mr Courtney said: “This is the longest period of strike action to have been called so far, so we want to remind people to take extra care to stay safe and prevent fires.

“That includes taking extreme caution if you are planning on holding your own bonfire or fireworks display, or preferably attending an organised display instead.”