Here, ex fire-fighter Paul Settle explains why he cannot support the current strike

I am a former member of the service who went on strike last time (against my personal vote).

I have no support whatsoever this time for the dispute.

Ordinary fire-fighters have been led up the garden path by the leadership of the Fire Brigades' Union.

Many of the arguments are different now.

The Fire Service must change its basic practices if the public are to get a 21st Century service.

The military should have access to the red machines. There are 'spares' in Brigades and at the manufacturers.

There are many people around who can drive them - I would.

Soldiers are also used to being trained and equipment inventories could be reduced to suit levels of training.

The ordinary fire-fighters have, in my opinion, been led up the garden path by the leadership of the Fire Brigades' Union.

Paul Settle, Kent