PARTYGOERS have been urged not to take unnecessary risks ahead of another strike by firefighters.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union will strike tonight between 6.30pm and 12.30am in their ongoing row with the Government about pension changes.

Assistant Chief Officer Bob Ratcliffe, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We want everyone to have a fantastic New Year’s Eve but we also want the night to pass safely and for people to remember that there will be fewer firefighters and vehicles available to us during this strike period.”

He urged people to not drink and drive, to be careful if setting off fireworks, and to make sure all Christmas lights are turned off and candles extinguished before going to bed.