Back-up fire crews had a quiet morning during the ninth firefighters’ strike in an ongoing row over pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades’ Union walked out for two hours between 6.30am and 8.30am today.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) said back-up crews were called out to only two incidents across the county.

One of the incidents was in Mirfield, where a man had to be rescued from a lift in an apartment block.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: “We have thankfully experienced a quiet couple of hours during today’s industrial action. “We would like to thank the public for staying safe this morning.”

There were 29 fire engines covering the county, compared to the usual 54. They were manned by firefighters who had decided not to strike, as well as community response operatives who were specially recruited to cover during strikes and have undergone three weeks’ training.