FIREFIGHTERS in Kent and other parts of Britain today began an eight-day strike after all-night talks failed.

But the Kent commander of the Army squads taking over during the stoppage said his men and women were ready for any emergency.

Capt Iain Hutchenson, head of Army operation said: “We are as ready for any occurrences as we were for the last 48 hour strike. In addition to the retained firefighters, we also have 18 green goddesses in nine locations across Kent. We are definitely ready to act.”

At one Kent station, Medway, the 12 firefighters of Green Watch were the last batch at Medway Fire Station working before this morning’s strike began.

Temporary sub-officer Ian Crouch said: Despite our industrial action we will attend incidents such as house fires where people are trapped. We don’t want to have to strike because everybody loses out - the firefighters, our employers and the Government."