ESSEX firefighters will walk out for 24 hours today. 

It will be the 66th time FBU members have been on strike since the bitter row over pensions and retirement age broke out two years ago.

THe strike began at 7am today.

The union has accused fire minister Penny Mordaunt of "misleading" MPs about any assurances given to firefighters from fire authorities over what will happen to their pensions if they fail fitness tests.

Alan Chinn-Shaw, Essex FBU Brigade secretary, said: “This strike has been called in light of the statement in parliament where assurances and guarantees given by Penny Mordaunt have turned out to be less than guarantees.

“What we are trying to do is get an assurance.”

The 24-hour strike will coincide with a rally and protest in Westminster. It will not involve staff working at Essex Fire and Rescue Services’ control centre.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, added: "Firefighters still face the choice of either being sacked or receiving a severely reduced pension if they fail fitness tests as a result of naturally declining fitness through age. Exactly the opposite of what the minister told Parliament."

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "All fire and rescue authorities have robust and well-tested plans in place that include back up support if needed. Public safety is our priority and if anyone needs emergency assistance they should dial 999 and they will get a response.”