More fire stations took wildcat strike action across Britain yesterday.

Fire fighters were refusing to work other than to answer 999 calls in protest at the decision not to award an immediate seven per cent pay rise.

The Fire Brigades Union said it could not condone unofficial action, but added that fire fighters were "extremely angry" over the decision to stagger the wage increase.

"We are seeking an urgent meeting with the employers to discuss how to resolve this issue. Their vindictive decision on Friday has caused genuine fury across the entire fire service," said general secretary Andy Gilchrist.