Fire crews attended a car fire in Elstree during this afternoon’s strike action.

Firefighters were called to Watling Street at 3.45pm following reports of a road accident caused by a small vehicle.

Fire stations were closed across the county from 12pm until 4pm as the Fire Brigade Union took industrial action following a dispute with the Government over pay and pensions.

There were five other incidents in Hertfordshire, including an open fire in a car park in St Albans, a small domestic kitchen fire in Hemel Hempstead and two calls created by automatic fire alarms.

However none of these were major, and all were taken control of by the crews who remained on duty.

Chief fire officer and director of community protection Roy Wilsher said: “The contingency plans that were put in place have stood up well.

“Crews who remained at work did an excellent job and we have been delighted by their dedication and commitment.”

Hertfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety Councillor Richard Thake, said: “Despite fewer resources being available during the FBU strike action period, all incidents were attended to and dealt with appropriately.

“We hope no further strike action will be taken and that there is a speedy resolution to this dispute in the interests of all concerned.

"Strike action in a key public service like this can only be to the detriment of Hertfordshire’s residents.”

All planned community safety and prevention work continued as normal in the county.

This included home fire safety checks, youth engagement work, and extra safety checks carried out by community protection volunteers.