FIRE chiefs will still respond to 999 calls during firefighters' 24-hour strike from 9am today (June 12), and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday June 21.

Firefighters, who are locked in a long-running dispute with the Government over pensions and working conditions, also say they will not carry out any voluntary overtime between the two walk-outs.

The announcement of industrial action on Wednesday last week followed failed talks between Fire Brigades Union representatives and Fire Minister Brandon Lewis.

Firefighters have held several strikes since the first on September 24 last year.