A FOUR day firefighters' strike began at 6pm this evening.

Fire crews from across the country are striking over pensions.

The Fire Brigades' Union claim the Government plans to increase the number of years firefighters have to work for and decrease the pension entitlement will lead to people aged in their sixties having to try and rescue people from fires.

They claim lives will be put in danger.

The changes are part of the Government's programme to cut costs.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has closed its stations and will be running emergency teams from other locations.

There will be a reduced service during a period when many people will be enjoying fireworks displays.

The fire service is urging people to go to official displays rather than organising their own due to the low numbers of firefighters available until 6pm on Tuesday.