THE county’s fire service responded to five incidents during two days of industrial action, according to Cumbria County Council.

The first wave of action was held on Friday, November 1, when 33 fire engines and three small fire vehicles were available around the county.

Crews attended a reported chimney fire, which turned out to be a false alarm, and an automatic fire alarm, both in Barrow, as well as a bonfire in Flimby which was attended by a fire engine from Maryport and extinguished using a hosereel jet.

On Monday, November 4, when action was held again, 36 fire engines and three small fire vehicles were available across Cumbria.

Crews attended a shed fire at Brough which was dealt with by crews from Kirkby Stephen and Appleby and a road traffic collision at North Stainmore on the A66, attended by fire engines from Kirkby Stephen, Appleby and Penrith, as well as the major rescue unit from Penrith.

Around 70 of Cumbria’s 600 operational firefighters took part in industrial action due to a national dispute between the Fire Brigades’ Union and the government over pensions.

Cumbria’s assistant chief fire officer, Adrian Buckle, said: “Both days of industrial action passed off without any major incidents and our contingency plans ensured an emergency response was available when needed.

“Again, I’d like to thank the people of Cumbria for their extra care and assistance during the strike in minimising fire and traffic collision risks and avoiding making unnecessary 999 calls.”