News Desk

Fire-fighters across London are refusing to speak with the media or have photo's taken in what represents a "hardening" of the position of the FBU, and apparent reprisal against the media, for the alleged smear campaign of the Fire Authority revealing many fire fighters have second jobs and live abroad.

With only 29 fire engines available to cover the whole of London until the end of the strike, firefighters are fully aware of the risk posed by the strike action.  Picket lines have been manned by striking firefighters, with what one London Daily News correspondent reporting from a north London fire-station described as "paranoia of the media, and total hostility to the Fire Authority".  The attitude will not help the firefighters to win the public relations war.

The potential of a terrorist attack, or major fire in London is always high, the firefighters have vowed to answer these type of calls, but if you house is burning down, forget about it.

If there is a major incident with many fatalities the finger will be pointed firmly at the FBU for striking and putting so many people at risk.  Its time for a compromise and some realism.