31 October 2014
Last updated at 05:42 ET
Fire brigades warn people could be left vulnerable by FBU strikes this weekend.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union are due to walk out at 18:00 GMT, returning on the evening before Bonfire Night.
Some fire brigades have warned the public could be left "vulnerable" and small fires may not be attended.
Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt said fire and rescue authorities have "robust" plans in place for the weekend.
FBU members went on strike in England and Wales in August over the same dispute.
Strike action due to take place in Wales has been averted after a "significant" change of direction by the Welsh government, the FBU said.
General secretary Matt Wrack accused the Westminster government of "sickening hypocrisy".
"The real scandal is that their own pensions are by far the most generous anywhere in the public sector," he said.
'Unnecessary' The West Yorkshire brigade said the public would be left in a "vulnerable position" and asked people to take extra care this weekend.
The London brigade said it may not attend rubbish or small grass fires or help anyone stuck in a lift.
Industrial action over the past 18 months has seen fire authorities spend millions hiring contractors to cover for striking FBU members.
The FBU said it expected about 36,000 firefighters to walk out later.
The fire minister said: "All fire and rescue authorities have robust and well-tested plans in place that include back-up support if needed.
"Public safety is the primary focus and if anyone needs emergency assistance, they should dial 999."
She said strike action was "unnecessary" after pension regulations laid in Parliament on Tuesday mean nearly nearly three quarters of firefighters will see no change in their pension age in 2015.
Firefighters in England set for four-day strike over pensions
Fire brigades warn people could be left vulnerable by FBU strikes this weekend.
Firefighters
across England are to start a four-day strike later in a row over
pensions during one of the service's busiest weekends of the year.
Some fire brigades have warned the public could be left "vulnerable" and small fires may not be attended.
Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt said fire and rescue authorities have "robust" plans in place for the weekend.
Continue reading the main story
Matt Wrack FBU general secretary"MPs' own pensions are by far the most generous in the public sector”
Union officials say that under
the government's proposals, firefighters will have to work until they
are 60 instead of 55, pay more into their pensions and get less in
retirement.
Strike action due to take place in Wales has been averted after a "significant" change of direction by the Welsh government, the FBU said.
General secretary Matt Wrack accused the Westminster government of "sickening hypocrisy".
"The real scandal is that their own pensions are by far the most generous anywhere in the public sector," he said.
'Unnecessary' The West Yorkshire brigade said the public would be left in a "vulnerable position" and asked people to take extra care this weekend.
The London brigade said it may not attend rubbish or small grass fires or help anyone stuck in a lift.
Industrial action over the past 18 months has seen fire authorities spend millions hiring contractors to cover for striking FBU members.
The FBU said it expected about 36,000 firefighters to walk out later.
The fire minister said: "All fire and rescue authorities have robust and well-tested plans in place that include back-up support if needed.
"Public safety is the primary focus and if anyone needs emergency assistance, they should dial 999."
She said strike action was "unnecessary" after pension regulations laid in Parliament on Tuesday mean nearly nearly three quarters of firefighters will see no change in their pension age in 2015.
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Sky News Firefighters Poised For Bonfire Period Strike 3 hrs ago
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ITV.com Government accused of showing public sector 'contempt' 6 hrs ago
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Mail Online UK Government accused amid fire strike 13 hrs ago
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International Business Times UK Firefighters to Stage Four Day Strike over Pensions ahead of Bonfire Night 23 hrs ago
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