Staffordshire fire chiefs say they have plans in place to cope with a four-hour walkout by firefighters.

The industrial action will take place from noon to 4pm tomorrow (September 25).

But residents have been reassured that plans have been put in place to deal with the strike – although people have been asked to only dial 999 in a “genuine emergency”.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: “Residents can be reassured that the service has worked hard to put together a stringent action plan ahead of the national Fire Brigades Union strike.

“However, it will not be business as usual and I would advise residents to be extra vigilant during the four hour period.”

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