The first strike

The first national firefighters' strike for 25 years took place between 13 and 14th November.

16 November: Union urges settlement

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Firefighters are planning a new strike for next week

The firefighters' union calls on the government to settle their dispute with a realistic pay offer, before the next planned strike. "It is not too late to rescue this dispute," said Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist.

Hywel Jones reports

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15 November: Troops 'can cross pickets'

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Union leader Andy Gilchrist

Fire Union chief Andy Gilchrist says his members will not try to stop troops if they cross picket lines in any future walkout. Home Office Minister, Lord Falconer, said earlier that soldiers may need access to modern machines.

Steve Kingstone reports

Fire Brigade Union leader Andy Gilchrist

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14 November: Prescott pledges to protect public

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Green Goddess on call

The deputy prime minister hints that troops could be ordered to cross fire strike picket lines in order to use modern fire engines, after the first 24 hours of the strike. Green Goddesses are between 46 and 49-years-old.

Rory Cellan-Jones strike round up

John Prescott's statement

The BBC's Samantha Simmonds on the first night's chaos

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13 November: The strike begins

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Army crews attend a fire

The first national firefighters' strike for 25 years has begun, with troops attending hundreds of call-outs within hours. Across the country, firefighters emerged from their stations at 1800 GMT to begin a 48-hour picket.

The BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones