The RAF will be manning the pumps and the green goddesses in Essex during today's strike by firefighters.
All present and correct - Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire inspects the green goddess crews at the TA centre in Chemsford before they are released for firefighting duties.
They replace Colchester-based 3 Para, who have provided fire cover in the county during the previous strikes but are now preparing to deploy to the Gulf.
The RAF crews are drawn from all over the country and will be manning temporary fire stations during the 48-hour stoppage, which began at 9am today.
Fire Brigades' Union leaders and Local Government Association representatives are still deadlocked over demands for a 40 per cent pay rise.
Air Chief Marshal Peter Squire, Chief of the Air Staff, visited them today at the Joint Control Centre at Chelmsford and met the crews of green goddesses, breathing apparatus rescue teams and rescue equipment support teams at the Territorial Army Centre in Colchester Road.
Mark Hardingham, station commander at Chelmsford fire station, said:" Whether it is the army or the RAF, the standard of cover will not be the same.
"We are basically resolved to a long and bitter dispute."
Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003
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