A STRIKE by firefighters began as planned at 9am today after last-ditch talks broke up just 90 minutes before.

Union leaders and employers met throughout the night to try and resolve the pay dispute that has already seen crews walk out for 48 hours last week.

Talks continued up to 7.30am today in a bid to avert action.

Military Green Goddess vehicles are standing by ready to provide emergency cover now firefighters have returned to the picket lines.

Yesterday, the two sides clashed angrily over the details of a pay offer tabled by the employers.