With the first national fire service strike for 25 years entering its second day today (Friday), the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority have reiterated vital fire safety advice to ensure people remain safe in their homes during the industrial action.

Firefighters and emergency control staff began a 48-hour strike at 6 pm on Wednesday night after they failed to reach an agreement with their employers over pay claims.

The firefighters unions are claiming a £30,000 wage for professional firefighters, an increase of 40 per cent. They have been offered 11 per cent over the next two years linked with changes in working practices and conditions, which they feel is unacceptable.

As a result, fire stations in the county have been affected by the walk-out, with emergency cover being provided by armed forces staffed Green Godesses based in Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest.

Chief Fire Officer, Ronnie King, of the Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade, said that over the past six years there had been an excellent working relationship between the Authority and the Fire Brigades Union in Mid and West Wales.

"We hope that this will see us through this dispute in a way where everyone is sensitive to, and respects, the positions of other colleagues within the organisation," he said.

However, while the first 48-hour walkout ends today at 6 pm, further eight-day strikes are also planned in the run-up to Christmas if the issue is not resolved, and Mr. King stressed the importance of the public being vigilant to reduce the risk of fire and accident.

"During any strike action the brigade will, of course, do everything it can to minimise the risk to the local communities," he said. "However, I would urge the public to exercise great caution and vigilance in order to protect themselves from the risk of fire."

This advice includes:

* in an emergency dial 999.

*Check all smoke alarms - ideally there should be one smoke alarm on each level of your property.

*Create a fire plan for your home which involves a night time routine, closing all doors and switching off electrical appliances.

*Do not leave cooking unattended.

*Avoid using candles and nightlights.

*Do not smoke in bed.

*Do not burn rubbish and garden refuse.

* Take particular care in discarding smoking materials.

*Reduce your speed on the road.

*Drive with care.

A public information line operates during periods of industrial action on (01267) 223044/(01267) 229286 or anyone concerned about any aspect of fire safety in the home can also contact the brigade's Community Fire Safety team at Fire Brigade headquarters during normal office hours on (01267) 221444.

Alternatively, fire safety advice and news on the pay dispute will be displayed on the brigade's website http://www.mawwfire.gov.uk">www.mawwfire.gov.uk.

Although not involved in the dispute, Pembrokeshire County Council, as an emergency planning body, has also made its own contingency arrangements to deal with the implications of strike action.

These include:

*Attendance at road traffic accidents in order to erect road closure/diversion signs and to wash down highway surfaces.

*Guaranteed availability of environmental health, commercial pollution and petroleum officers to deal with incidents involving spillages of chemicals and other toxic materials.

*Provision of water pumps in various locations in the event of flooding incidents.

*Provision of temporary accommodation to re-house those made homeless by fire.

*24-hour cover by emergency planning personnel.

Council leader, Clr. Maurice Hughes, said that fire safety in the home and at work "has never been more crucial" and stressed the importance of fire prevention measures to reduce the risk of fire.

"The authority is making its own contingency arrangements to deal with the implications of strike action, but we could all help by following some simple advice in order to minimise the risk of fire," he said.

Clr. Hughes also reminded the public that approximately half of all fire brigade call-outs were to road traffic accidents and urged motorists to maintain their cars properly and, when on the road, to drive within the speed limits.

Pedestrians and cyclists could, he added, contribute to road safety by wearing reflective clothing or arm bands during the hours of darkness and the council also urged people to think carefully about the storage of petrol at home.

"It is illegal to store anything but small amounts without a petroleum licence," said a spokesman.

"Ideally, store none at all, but if it is unavoidable, comply with the storage requirements and treat with extreme caution."