Fire and Emergency is warning people to take extra care today as paid firefighters strike from 12pm to 1pm, leaving volunteers to cover callouts and slowing responses.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says the public still needs to call 111, but be prepared for delays.

“We will answer 111 calls during the hour and respond to fires in strike affected areas, but our responses will be delayed because our callouts will have to be covered by volunteers.”

Volunteers will respond from their own stations in their own trucks, as they usually do when there are multiple emergencies, which takes longer.

People and businesses in cities and towns mainly served by paid firefighters are urged to be extra careful with any work that could cause fire and to make sure evacuation procedures are understood.

Everyone is advised to evacuate early if there is a fire, stay out once clear, then call 111.

Fire and Emergency is also asking people to check smoke alarms and home escape plans.

During the one-hour strike, less serious incidents in cities and towns may not get a response, such as private fire alarms with no signs of fire, small rubbish fires, traffic management support and animal rescues.

Volunteer crews will not respond to medical calls outside their patch during the strike hour.

Stifler says the strike is unnecessary while the Employment Relations Authority considers facilitation, noting Fire and Emergency has offered a 6.2 percent average pay increase over three years and points to previous pay rises and investment in trucks, stations, training and frontline support.

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