AS THE fire strike continues, reporters Edward Davie and Rita Bartolomei visited Gwent's biggest temporary fire station at Newport's Raglan Barracks to talk to the troops who are dealing with fires and rescues - and the man in charge of our fire cover.

The RAF wing commander in charge of providing fire cover for Gwent for the duration of the strike has an important message for the public: "Stay on your guard."

Wing Commander Richard Nichol, who is from Pontypool, made the plea whilst visiting Newport's temporary fire station at Raglan Barracks yesterday.

The barracks is the temporary home to around 30 RAF personnel who are crewing a Green Goddess, a Red Goddess (a tender used to train firefighters) and a breathing apparatus rescue team vehicle.

Wing Commander Nichol had come from the South Wales temporary fire control HQ in Bridgend to talk to troops and check the facility. He said crews had dealt with 70 fires, four road traffic accidents and ten malicious hoaxes across South Wales since the beginning of the eight-day strike last Friday morning.

Wing Commander Nichol said: "Although we are not being complacent, so far things have gone very well. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the people of South Wales for their support and vigilance during this period.

"But I want to ask them to keep being extra careful, particularly when driving or cooking. During the first 48 hours of a fire brigade strike, there is a fear factor that makes people extra careful.

"That extra care then seems to drop a bit and we want people to remain especially aware of dangers."

Asked whether the dispute was disrupting preparations for an attack on Iraq, Wing Commander Nichol said: "I can only say that my sole concern at the moment is providing the best fire cover we can in this area.

"All our personnel have jobs they could be doing, they do not stand around waiting to be firefighters.

"But the work they would normally doing on their bases is being done, people are working harder and everything is well maintained.

"I'm very proud of the fact that all these different personnel are working so well together. The RAF, Army, Navy, police and fire brigade have all come together brilliantly and it has been an experience for everyone involved.

"Local personnel have volunteered to serve their communities, which shows their dedication. The armed forces are a 'can do' organisation, we are up to the challenge and will be here as long as we are needed by the people of South Wales."

South Wales Chief Fire Officer Brian Fraser was also on hand to offer tactical advice to the personnel based at the barracks.

Mr Fraser said: "I'm here to talk to the RAF and give them some advice on firefighting. "The military's great strength is its adaptability and we have all learned a lot over the weekend and I am helping them with our expertise.

"However, the armed forces are not trying to be the South Wales Fire Service and the public must again think hard about fire safety. After the start of the strike people begin to think that the situation is normal, with vigilance easing off but people must remain extra careful."

Asked whether he could see how a solution to the crisis might be found Mr Fraser said: "It's in the hands of the politicians, I would just like my fire service back to normal."

* Pictured: Senior Aircraftsman Ben Neal on hose practice at Raglan Barracks, Newport