Fire Brigades Union members at Morriston in Swansea are now canvassing nationally for support for their position.

Firefighters across Wales have returned to work on Wednesday morning following a third strike over pay and conditions.

During the 24-hour stoppage, army crews on standby during the action were called to a total of 35 incidents, none of them serious.

They said that they provided excellent cover; they totally ignored the emergency cover still being provided by the picket lines Mike Smith

Fire crews from the Mid and West Wales Fire Service left their picket lines at 1800 GMT on Tuesday, removing the possibility of providing emergency cover in the event of a life-threatening fire.

Previously, firefighters in south Wales had voted not to respond to life-threatening fires, as they did during the previous strikes, although they did agree to remain on picket lines.

The Fire Brigades Union said the decision on whether or not to respond to calls was down to members on the ground.

Explaining the latest move, FBU chairman Nick Dodd said firefighters had "nothing left to lose".

"Our members do not feel standing outside a fire station - feeling freezing cold for no pay for an employer that feels we are worthless - is worth their while."

'Ignored'

Politicians joined strikers on their picket lines during Tuesday morning.

Fire Brigades Union officer Mike Smith said: "The government after the last strike extolled the virtues of the army fire cover.

"They said that they provided excellent cover; they totally ignored the emergency cover still being provided by the picket lines.

"Our members have quite simply said, if they think the army is doing such a good job, let them carry on."

PLANNED STRIKES

21 January: 24 hours 28 January: 48 hours 1 February: 48 hours

Firefighters in south Wales had said they had received a letter from managers warning them they would not be covered by insurance if they turned out during the strike.

They did agree, however, to maintain picket lines at all the fire stations, and they would respond in the face of a major public emergency.

The vote had been prompted by claims the dispute has been prolonged by their decision to leave picket lines to help the armed forces during major incidents.

Firefighters in Merthyr Tydfil led the move not to attend to emergencies during the 24-hour walkout which began at 0900 GMT on Tuesday.

Statement

South Wales Fire Service warned firefighters by letter that any fire responses made while on strike raise problems with health and safety and insurance.

In a statement, the fire service said: "We understand the moral pressure on firefighters to deploy to incidents and that the fact that some may.

"In view of the time since the last strike it is felt appropriate to reaffirm to staff the issues relating to health and safety and insurance.

"This letter advise staff of brigade management concerns and gives them a procedure to follow should they choose to self-deploy."

Negotiation

Following the strike, the employers and firefighters' union may be back around the negotiating table as early as Wednesday or Thursday.

Local authority employers have stood firm on a pay offer of 4%, rising to 11% over two years.

The Fire Brigades' Union maintains 4,500 jobs will be axed and 150 fire stations closed if the recommendations are accepted.

Firefighters held a two-day national strike - the first in 25 years - last November, followed shortly after by an eight-day walkout.