CUMBRIA’S firefighters responded to nine incidents during 24 hours of industrial action.

The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) called a national walkout between 9am on Thursday and 9am today due to an ongoing dispute with the Government over pensions.

However, Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s contingency plans ensured an emergency response was available throughout the strike.

Incidents were dealt with at the following locations: Backbarrow (automatic fire alarm), Carlisle’s Kingmoor Park (smoke from a burnt out light fitting), Bootle (horse stuck in a trench), Silverdale (grass fire at a caravan park), Carlisle’s Cross Street (car fire), Flimby (automatic fire alarm), Skelwith (vehicle fire at a caravan park), Barrow’s Tay Court (smoke alarm activated) and a car fire on the M6 between junctions 40 and 41.

MORE TOP STORIES: Nearly 140 of Cumbria’s 600 operational firefighters took part in the industrial action and 31 out of 46 fire engines were available around the county during the strike.

The FBU has called another strike between 10am and 5pm on Saturday June 21.

Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Ian Cartwright said: “Due to our contingency plans we were able to provide an emergency response when required.

“Again I’d call on the people of Cumbria to help us out during the next wave of industrial action next weekend by minimising their risks of fire and road traffic collisions and avoiding making unnecessary 999 calls.”