Tony Blair is the target of firefighters' anger

Talks between Fire Brigades Union officials and local authority employers end without an agreement on a new pay deal. The next eight-day-strike, due to begin on Wednesday, is scheduled to go ahead.

The BBC's Rory Cellan Jones reports

Negotiations continue to break the deadlock

The Fire Brigades Union announces that further talks aimed at ending the firefighters' dispute will be held on Friday 29 November. Meanwhile, Chancellor Gordon Brown said "inflationary and unaffordable settlements" put the economy at risk.

The BBC's Robert Hall reports

Firefighters spend a fifth day on the picket line

John Prescott says that with one in five firefighters due to retire within two years, now is a good time to discuss creating a leaner service. FBU leader Andy Gilchrist says the comment shows the government's aim is to employ fewer firefighters. Mark Mardell reports.

The BBC's Mark Mardell reports

John Prescott hints at a scaled down service in a statement to MPs

Tony Blair

Tony Blair holds a news conference in which he says giving in to the firefighters' claim would have "dire" consequences for the economy. He says the only way forward is pay linked to "modernisation" or changes in working practices.

The BBC's Mark Mardell reports

Tony Blair's news conference point by point

FBU response by Andy Gilchrist

The BBC's Niall Dickson on the issue of "modernisation"

The Armed Forces say they are coping well

Chancellor Gordon Brown says a 16% pay rise, without savings from new working practices, would cost Britain more than �500m. His comments contrasted with a more conciliatory approach from John Prescott, who held out the prospect of a 16% rise over three years.

The BBC's Louise Bevan reports

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott

FBU leader Andy Gilchrist

Army fire crews have had a busy 24 hours

Ministers push for a return to the negotiating table with a 16% deal that is properly costed and linked to modernisation. Meanwhile, the striking firefighters receive widespread union backing.

The BBC's Jonathan Beale reports

John Prescott

An eight-day strike begins after the failure of last minute talks. A bitter row erupts between the FBU and the government over who was to blame for the collapse of pay talks and the army faces its first major firefighting test.

The BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones reports

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott

The BBC's Robert Hall on the first major fire during the strike

Firefighters look set to carry out their strike

The two sides in the fire dispute disagree over the size of the latest pay offer, with an eight-day strike only hours away. Talks stalled after the union said it had been made an offer of 4% with any further increase linked to modernisation.

The BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones reports

Firemen may not have to carry out their eight day strike

The BBC discovers that a 16% pay rise for firefighters could finally be offered to union officials during strike talks. The offer is expected to be conditional on a commitment by the FBU to "meaningful discussions for change".

The BBC's Paul Mason reports

Mr Brown attacked the timing of the pay claim

Chancellor Gordon Brown accuses the firefighters of seeking an excessive claim in a time of economic uncertainty. Mr Brown says it is "the wrong time, exactly the wrong claim, pursuing the wrong methods".

The BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones reports