LONDON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- People in Britain should delay any plans they have for bonfires Friday night because of a planned short-term strike by firefighters, a fire official says.
Richard Smith, chief fire officer for Mid and South Wales, said the four-hour strike would come during an exceptionally busy night, The Daily Telegraph reported.
"Obviously only attend organized firework displays and if people can plan around having a bonfire night on Saturday night instead of tonight, that would be preferable," he said.
The occasion, known as Bonfire Night, is an annual event traditionally marked with bonfires and fireworks.
Peter Dartford, vice president of the Chief Fire Officers Association, earlier warned fire resources would be "significantly depleted" because of the strike.
The strike by members of the Fire Brigade Union is scheduled between 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday. A second, two-hour, strike will be held Monday morning.
Union members are upset about government plans to raise the retirement age for firefighters from 55 to 60 and to change the pension plan for retired members.
Government ministers claim the firefighters already have a very generous pension plan.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said the union was not trying to scare the public by scheduling the strike at this festive time of year.
"We don't want to freak people out," he said. "We want the government to return to the negotiating table."
Fire minister Brandon Lewis said the FBU announced the strike action only four days into negotiations.
