0800 BST - Start work and chat to the other lads on Red Watch about last night's news. There's frustration all round about the dispute. We check our breathing apparatus and the fire appliances.

0830 BST - Sit down for a quick cuppa with the sub officer, who briefs us on today's drill. It's training on an RTA (road traffic accident), with a car on its side and an injured driver trapped inside.

1030 BST - Tea break. Morale is low. Everyone muttering about their financial problems.

I've studied, sweated and taken exams since I joined four years ago on just �17,000. Now I'm on just �21,500 and might have to cope on strike pay for weeks.

I'm desperate for a resolution

Phil Mulligan

I'm worried about supporting myself and my partner, who has just qualified as a teacher. We are still trying to pay off her student debt.

I feel guilty as I've had to put our wedding plans on hold. Maybe I should get a part time job to make ends meet?

1100 BST - Mobilised via radio to a fire call: "Child stuck under bed! There's no answer from inside the room!"

Strange atmosphere in the cab on the way. Nobody speaks. Dread? Certainly adrenalin.

We get there and find the bunk beds have collapsed, jamming the door and trapping two children inside. We break the door down and find them unhurt but upset.

1150 BST - Out on the appliance to do community fire safety. We go door to door, offering safety advice, home risk assessments and fitting free smoke alarms.

1300 BST - Lunch. TV straight on. Only six days left until the planned strike. I'm desperate for a resolution. I feel so angry.

The government has known about our frustrations for six months and told our employers not to offer a pay compromise.

Phil gets ready to go out on a fire call

1400 BST - Back out on the streets, delivering electric blankets to Age Concern that the Fire Brigade has tested for safety.

Then it's back to community fire safety visits.

1615 BST - Another call: "Flat fire!" Into our protective fire kit.

Another dose of adrenalin, another high speed drive. We get there, I pull my breathing apparatus on, grab the hose and kick the door down.

Walshy searches for the fire. I look for casualties, feeling in the smoke with my hands, feet and mind. All clear this time.

Back to station to service the breathing apparatus and recharge our air cylinders.

1750 BST - Home. News on about the impending strike. More worry. I'm a member of the public too. I might need to dial 999.

How will the Army cope if they need to cover for us? I feel shame, as if I'm letting down the public. I entered this profession to serve, protect and educate people.

I never thought I would be held to ransom emotionally by the government.