The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has confirmed that its members will take part in the 24-hour walkout from 7am Wednesday until 7am the following day.

FBU members across the country will be taking part in the one-day industrial action and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has put in place contingency arrangements to ensure residents’ safety.

Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Ferguson said: “We will still be answering and responding to 999 calls. However, we will be prioritising 'life critical’ incidents, such as house fires and road traffic collisions where people are trapped, and it is important that people take extra care during this forthcoming period of industrial action. You can help us by only dialling 999 in a genuine emergency.

“There are lots of very simple steps you can take to help keep yourself and your family safe, so please take the time to do so before the strike action begins.

“The most important single action you can take is to make sure that your home has smoke alarms fitted, at every level, and you should test the batteries every week to check they are working.

“It is also essential to make an escape plan in advance, so that everyone in your household knows how to get out of the house quickly and safely in an emergency.”