CUMBRIAN firefighters were called to two incidents during today's four hour strike.

Around 95 of Cumbria’s 600 operational firefighters took part in the industrial action called by the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) in response to an ongoing dispute between the FBU and the Government over pensions.

The strike, which took place from 10am to 2pm, meant the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) had 37 fire engines and a major rescue vehicle ready for action.

A fire engine from Barrow and another from Ulverston attended reports of a house fire at West Shore, Walney. The incident was a false alarm.

Firefighters were also mobilised to a large goods vehicle fire on the M6 attended by two fire engines from Carlisle and one from Penrith.

Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Ian Cartwright said: “Today’s industrial action passed off without any major incidents and our contingency plans ensured an appropriate emergency response was available when needed.

“Again, the people of Cumbria have been a great help by minimising the risks of fire and traffic collisions and avoiding making unnecessary 999 calls.”