Reserve fire-fighters had to deal with eight call-outs during a four-hour strike last night. Only around half of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service's resources were operational to cover Hull and the East Riding between 6pm and 10pm.
Reserve crews, supervised by fully-qualified fire officers and firefighters, helped plug the gaps. None of the call-outs were serious.
Deputy chief fire officer Dene Sanders admitted the strike was putting a strain on the service. He said: "The service continues to be tested by this national dispute but is continually assessing and reviewing its contingency plans so that the best possible service can be delivered to the community at times of strike action.
"We will continue to provide an adequate service during strike action and, to achieve this, we need to draw on some of our current staff as well as reservists to provide that service. Their efforts are very much appreciated."
Strike action also took place from 6pm until 10pm on Friday night when there were two call-outs. Neither of the fires were serious.
The Fire Brigades' Union is taking industrial action as part of a pensions dispute with the Government.
