The scheduled four hour period of industrial action by firefighters in England and Wales came to an end at 2pm this afternoon (Wednesday 13^th November).

The strike was the fourth period of industrial action planned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) as a protest against Government plans for pensions.

Chief Fire OfficerSimon Smithreported that North Wales Fire and Rescue Service had managed its services effectively during the strike action.

"A strike such as this obviously results in a reduction in the resources that we had at our disposal, however our business continuity plans were put into operation effectively and as soon as the strike period came to an end we were able to ensure a quick and safe return to normal services.

"I would again take this opportunity to thank the public for their cooperation and for heeding our safety messages - our attendance was required at two incidents during the four hour period. One of these was a possible emergency landing by a light aircraft at Hawarden airport in Broughton - to which we were stood down once the aircraft landed safely. The second was a possible fire in the attic of a property in Llandudno Junction which turned out to be a false alarm.

"Although this strike is over, it is as yet unclear whether there will be further industrial action by firefighters so I would remind people that attention to fire safety and road safety remains of paramount importance.

Advice on how to keep safe is available on www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk