FIRE bosses say they responded well within their 20-minute target time to emergencies during last night’s four-hour strike by firefighters.

The latest round of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) industrial action in Hampshire over pension reforms ended last night at 10pm.

During the strike Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service had on average about 40 fire engines available to respond to emergencies across Hampshire, around half the usual number.

The majority of appliances were crewed by retained firefighters and some operational staff not based on fire stations.

The most serious incident last night was a blaze that badly damaged a home in Hunters Close, Kings Somborne.

The fire started at around 9pm in two sheds next to the house. It was put out by 11pm and no one was injured.

Another strike is planned tonight from 6pm to 10pm.

Assistant chief officer Neil Odin said: “We have been focusing on people celebrating safely and the night time economy, making sure landlords and pub owners are aware and getting safety messages out on our behalf.

“We would again ask people to take extra care and think about the things you can do - if you go out make sure your Christmas lights are turned off, candles are extinguished and, if you are celebrating, take a cab, don't cook when you get home and get a takeaway.”