CLACTON firefighters abandoned their hosepipes to join the picket line as part of a national strike.
Crews left the station unattended from 6pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday.
The walkout was part of a national strike by firefighters over proposed changes to their pensions.
Clacton-based union rep Aston Everett said: “Both of our machines were off duty during the strike periods. It is unfortunate and with great regret that we had to do this.
“But the Government and our employers are just not listening to our evidence and arguments the proposals for pension changes."
Resilience services were put in place by the fire service to cover any incidents during the strike period, but they were not called to any major incidents in Clacton.
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