Green Goddesses primed and ready

Green Goddesses will take the strain

Dozens of Green Goddesses are standing by in the East Midlands as military personnel take over the duties of striking firefighters.

Residents in the region are being asked to take extra care as a planned eight-day fire strike begins.

In Leicestershire, a smoking ban is in place for Saturday's game against Rotherham at Walker's Stadium.

Extra fire extinguishers have been put in place in the county's hospitals and staff have been given additional fire training.

What do Nottingham people think?

While the public are being told to dial 999 in an emergency they are being warned the service will be limited.

Ministry of Defence spokeswoman Alison Cobb said: "We are ready to respond to calls as we were during the last walkout."

Green Goddesses will take the strain

Army units and retained firefighters will only be able to provide a fraction of the normal service.

Companies are being asked to make sure their employees know all the fire routines while householders should make sure their property has a fire escape route.

Drivers are being asked to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Strike cover is will be provided by military personnel using Green Goddesses, Breathing Apparatus Rescue Tenders (BARTs) and Regional Equipment Support Teams (RESTs) providing other equipment normally fitted on a fire engine.

• Derbyshire, normally served by 500 full time firefighters and 40 vehicles, will be covered by 11 Green Goddesses, six BARTS and one REST
• Leicestershire, normally served by 416 full time firefighters, 200 retained and 30 vehicles, will be covered by 12 Green Goddesses, five BARTs and one REST
• Lincolnshire, with 180 full time firefighters, 600 retained and 48 pumps, will be covered by seven Green Goddesses, three BARTs and one REST
• Nottinghamshire, with 581 full time firefighters, 356 retained and 42 vehicles, will be covered by 13 Green Goddesses, five BARTs and one REST