Kent firefighters will walk out at 6pm this evening to begin a four-day strike over pensions.

Earlier this week fire chiefs asked families planning firework displays over the Halloween weekend to postpone their celebrations, as Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS) will be operating a reduced service.

KFRS firefighters who are not members of the union or who have decided not to strike will be providing emergency cover until the strike ends at 6pm on November 4, the day before Bonfire night.

This latest round of industrial action follows two months' of talks, culminating in a refusal by the Department for Communities and Local Government to budge over changes to pensions which include, among other measures, to make firefighters work until they are 60.

The Fire Brigade Union has branded the pension scheme "unworkable, unaffordable, unsustainable and unfair", and claimed it would put both firefighters and the public at risk.

In a statement to members, the union said: "The public don’t want 60-year-old firefighters tackling fires and going on rescues.

"Firefighters know this is unworkable and dangerous – the public know this is unworkable and dangerous – but the Westminster government are the only ones who are ignorant of this."

Ann Millington, Chief Executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said: “We are clearly very disappointed that a further strike has been called by the FBU, especially on Halloween and during the lead up to bonfire night when fireworks are on sale.

"As we have with the other strikes we will be taking 999 calls and working hard to provide a service by locating fire engines at strategic locations around the county.

"However we will not be operating at the normal level, so we need local people and businesses to take extra precautions”.

KFRS is asking the public and businesses to take extra care during the strike, including:

Take extra care with Halloween candles, lanterns, fireworks and bonfires during the lead up to bonfire night.

Consider moving any home bonfire parties and fireworks to a day outside the strike period so that limited resources can be prioritised for lifesaving emergencies.

Before you go out or to bed take five minutes to unplug unused electrical items, don’t overload sockets, check your smoke alarm, and if you are at home do not leave cooking unattended.