Troops may be called into Northern Ireland if firefighters strike

Exclusive: Fire service chief says he will ask MoD for help if unions do not cover high-risk calls'

Hundreds of troops could return to Northern Ireland as cover for striking firefighters, the Guardian can disclose.

The head of the region's fire service has said the army will be formally requested to provide cover unless unions agree to do so for high risk calls". The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has refused to do so without an increased pay offer.