By Sarah Aldous BBC News Online in Tunbridge Wells

"Angry, insulted and more determined than ever" is how the firefighters at Tunbridge Wells fire station in Kent describe their mood, having just listened to Tony Blair's statement on the fire strike.

"Nothing has changed, they've said nothing new. The only thing that's clearer is the government's own confusion," said station commander Laurie Kidman

Less than half way through the eight-day stoppage, it's clear that the prime minister's harsh words have fuelled discontent on the picket lines.

Station commander Laurie Kidman: "Determined"

As the strikers huddle around the roaring fire clutching teas and coffees, the mood is tense and the pressure clearly on.

"They have sabotaged any agreement," says Mr Kidman.

"We've moved, we've suspended three strikes, we've dropped our pay increase demands from 40 to 16%, but what have they done? Apart from close the door on any agreement.

"The government won't move, which is very frustrating", adds fireman and father of three Bob Aylott.

"But if anything, that has made us even more determined," he said.

Strong resolve

Ian Collins, another member of the 40-strong Tunbridge Wells brigade, is equally disillusioned with the government's actions.

The fire-fighters have little faith in the government

"They managed to give themselves a pay rise, but what have they done for anyone else? What modernisation have they done?"

While Tony Blair claims that a 40% pay increase for the firefighters cannot be met without "dire" consequences for the economy, the men of Tunbridge Wells brigade are sceptical.

Public backing

"For the fourth richest nation in the world, this kind of a pay rise is miniscule," said Mr Kidman. "Compared to the amount the government has spent already on this dispute, they could probably have broken even."

His colleague Bob Aylott adds: "We deserve a fair wage. We know we're worth that and every incident we attend, those people know we're worth that."

Bob Aylott: "We deserve a fair wage"

These firefighters are acutely aware of the battle for the hearts and minds of the public.

Each reassuring beep from a passing car horn is met with cheers and waves from the firemen.

"There has been a terrific amount of public support for us on the picket lines, which is very heartening" said Mr Kidman. "They've been brilliant. Very understanding, we've been quite amazed".

But the firefighters of this Kent Brigade don't know how much longer can they count on this support, and it's clear there is still a long way to go.