Firefighters are to strike on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve in a dispute over pensions.
Members of the Fire Brigades Union will walk out for five hours on Tuesday, December 24, six hours on Tuesday, December 31 and two hours on Friday, January 3.
Lancashire Chief Fire Officer Chris Kenny said firefighters had given a commitment to maintain emergency cover.
He said: “The focus for the service in the short term will be on providing the best service possible with the resources available.
“In the longer term the challenge will be in bringing our workforce together after the dispute to re-establish the most professional service possible.
“We would urge all members of the public to be extra vigilant and be aware that for minor fires in particular, there may be a longer wait for a fire engine.
“I sincerely hope that government and FBU will soon arrive at a negotiated settlement and we have written to the government to urge progress.”
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “There should be no need for industrial action, and it’s absurd that firefighters’ concerns over pensions have not been addressed already.
“By simply conceding common sense and allowing firefighters a fair deal, the government could end this industrial action today.”
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis MP responded: “Once again the FBU’s actions cast doubt over their claims that they are serious about reaching a negotiated settlement.
“Firefighters will still get one of the most generous public pension schemes. Less than a quarter of firefighters will see any change in their retirement age in 2015 and more firefighters pensions are protected than in any other large public service workforce.”
