The scheduled five hour period of industrial action by firefighters in Englandand Walescame to an end at 5pm today (Friday 2^nd May).

The strike was the latest 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.

"There was understandably 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.

"The number of calls made to our control room during the strike period was significantly lower than we would normally expect for a Friday afternoon and we were not required to mobilise our appliances - so once again I would to take this opportunity to thank the public for their cooperation and for clearly heeding our safety messages.

"However, although this strike is over, I would remind everyone that attention to fire safety and road safety remains of paramount importance this weekend, especially as it is a bank holiday which sees an increase in the risk to safety - firefighters are scheduled to strike again tomorrow from 2pm until 2am the following morning, and again on Sunday from 10am until 3pm."

Advice on how to keep safe is available on www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk, @NorthWalesFire and www.facebook.com/Northwalesfireservice .