FIREFIGHTERS across Dorset have started a 24-hour strike, as their protracted pension row with government continues.

Ahead of the planned walkout county fire chief Darran Gunter urged Dorset residents to take extra steps to safeguard their homes.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members started the strike at 7am today.

This midweek strike is the fourteenth round of industrial action organised by the FBU since September 2013.

Dorset Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) chief fire officer Darran Gunter said: “As with the previous strikes, we will once again be putting plans in place to ensure DFRS is able to respond to incidents.

“However, we would ask members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of fire breaking out in their home.”

Mr Gunter says the county fire service will be working with all local partner agencies to ensure businesses, homes and the environment can be kept as safe as possible from fire during this latest industrial action.

Dorset members of the Fire Brigades Union, who are supporting their colleagues during the national strike, will return to work at 7am on Thursday morning.