FIREFIGHTERS in Hampshire will walk out on strike tonight as part of an ongoing row over pensions.

Fire Brigades Union members will walk out at 6pm tonight ahead of the one of the force's busiest weekends of the year, with fireworks displays going on across the county.

They are staging strike action for four days, up to 6pm on November 4, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue has called on the public to follow safety advice at events over the weekend.

Fire brigades will put into place contingency plans that include hiring contract staff to cover for striking firefighters.

The FBU have accused the Government of showing “contempt” for public sector workers in the long-running dispute over pensions.

In a statement, Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “During this time, we will continue to respond to 999 calls and provide emergency cover across the county.

“However, we will be running a reduced service and response times may be affected.

“Bonfire and Halloween events planned for this weekend should still go ahead.

“However, we would ask you to carefully follow our safety advice to help avoid unnecessary 999 calls. The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display.”

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "We have a Government of millionaires who are wrecking the pensions of firefighters and other public sector workers while the real scandal is that their own pensions are by far the most generous anywhere in the public sector.

"This is a case of those at the top getting more while everyone else is robbed blind. Firefighters are sickened by the Government's 'snouts in the trough' approach to this issue.

"How can it be remotely fair that the Prime Minister, already a millionaire, enjoys a far greater subsidy from his employer in absolute and proportional terms than a firefighter who is earning less than £30,000 a year? It is sickening hypocrisy."

The Firefighters' Pension Scheme is the most expensive in the public sector and is forecast to have a cashflow deficit of almost £600 million by 2018-19, said the statement, adding: "Taxpayers cannot be expected to meet all of these costs."

The Government said it will lay regulations setting out the terms of the reformed scheme, giving fire and rescue authorities time to implement changes before they come into effect next April.

No firefighter aged 55 or over will face being left without a job or a good pension, said the statement.

"These steps will benefit all firefighters, not least women firefighters, and those who will work beyond 55 if they so wish. As the impact of working beyond 55 years of age will only take start to take effect in 2022, there is time to ensure appropriate procedures are in place to reassure and support both the younger and older worker.

"This process, linked with generous ill-health arrangements and the opportunity for redeployment, should ensure that firefighters can continue to receive one of the best pension packages of any worker."