Northern Ireland fire chief appeals for strike cover to avoid army call-up

Union dismisses ‘desperate tactics’ as chief calls for recognition of region’s ‘unique circumstances’

A fire service chief has been accused of “desperate tactics” after pleading for firefighters in Northern Ireland to respond to high-risk calls during any strikes so that the army are not asked to cover emergencies in the region.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the request showed that the government and managers were “clearly rattled” by a vote last week in favour of strike action.