Plaid Cymru have attacked the Government, claiming that they must stop being insincere and confrontational over public sector pay if the eight day fire strike is to be prevented.

Cllr Alun Llewelyn, county councillor for Ystalyfera and AM candidate for Neath Port Talbot, strongly believes that the Government's inaction and blocking tactics have contributed hugely to the crisis in the fire service.

He said: “The London-based media and politicians have taken a mainly hostile approach to the pay claim, but firefighters themselves have a case that needs to be heard.

“There is still the chance of a realistic settlement with real progress on pay rates before this week's strike takes place,”

Since the first strike action on November 13, in excess of 57 calls were received by operators at the Mid and West Wales joint control center.

The Fire Brigades Union believe that the Green Goddesses are doing their best in light of the current circumstances.

Richard Simpson, spokesman for the RAF, who are manning some of the Green Goddesses, said: “We are coping really well, there have been no major incidents and the guys are doing their best with the resources available.”

However, firefighters are devastated that they may have to take strike action for the second time.

Nick Dodd, spokesman for the FBU said: “in July of this year Robin Cook defended the 40 per cent pay increase the MP's received.

“He said, I do not think we impress the public if we set too low a value on our own worth. If we believe our work is important, we should not shrink from putting a proper value on it.”