Striking firefighters in Wales returned to work at 0900 on Thursday at the end the fourth stoppage of the current dispute.

The 48-hour industrial action saw military crews in Wales called out at total of 85 times to deal with 71 fires and 11 road accidents.

A second stoppage is due on Saturday

The military was also the subject of three hoax calls.

Firefighters in Merthyr Tydfil showed they would not respond to even the most serious blazes in their area by walking off their picket line.

They said they did not want to be a "safety net" for stand-in military crews.

One of the most serious incidents of the current stoppage came late on Tuesday night when two people were rescued by police from a house fire in Haverfordwest.

The blaze broke out at 2240 GMT and officers found two people who were unconscious in the smoke-filled house.

They were taken to the town's Withybush Hospital and treated for the effects of smoke inhalation but were not reported to be in a serious condition.

Pay offer

A Red Goddess also attended and put the fire out.

A fifth firefighters' strike, also for 48 hours, is due to start on Saturday.

During the last 24-hour stoppage, military crews in Wales were called to a total of 35 incidents, none of them serious.

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

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

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

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