The Fire Brigades Union is taking four days of strike action this weekend, coinciding with a number of firework displays in Wiltshire, saying that the longest action taken in the dispute so far shows how strongly its members feel.

The walkout is part of a long-running dispute between firefighters and the government over plans to increase pension contributions and put up the retirement age to 60.

Union members fear many at this age will fail the rigorous fitness tests.

During the past 12 months there have been numerous strikes but this will be the longest.

It is expected that fire stations at Trowbridge, Chippenham, Swindon, Stratton, Westlea and Salisbury will be unavailable for fire calls over the 96-hour period.

On-call stations unaffected by the strike should be providing fire cover as usual across the four days and crews may respond from alternative locations if required.

Members will walk out at 6pm tomorrow - October 31 - the night before Chippenham Rotary’s annual display in Monkton Park.

They return at 6pm on Tuesday, November 4, the day before Bonfire Night.

Crews will still respond to emergency calls, although it might take longer with firefighters travelling from alternative locations. Residents are being advised not to hold bonfire and firework displays at home.

Brent Thorley, Wiltshire FBU secretary, said: “We’d advise people to postpone their events until the following weekend or hold them on bonfire night itself.

“We were having these discussions last year but people were sensible and there were no issues.

“This is a long action but it shows how seriously we feel about the issue.”

Chief fire officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “We will still respond to 999 calls, but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive and, with larger premises, we may send a smaller attendance than usual.”