FIRE bosses are calling for residents to be 'vigilant' over the festive period as strike action takes place tonight. 

Members of the Fire Brigades Union will be walking out between 7pm and midnight this evening, between 6.30pm and 12:30am on New Year's Eve and from 6.30 to 8.30am on January 3 as a row over pensions remains unresolved.

A spokesman said: "We do have plans and procedures in place that will enable us to continue to protect the communities of Cheshire during strike periods.

"However, as we do have less fire engines available we would once again encourage everyone to take extra care during the strike."

Residents are being warned not to overload sockets and unplug Christmas lights before they go to bed and to avoid drinking and cooking as it is one of the biggest causes of house fires.