Firefighters, including those in Waterford, are raising concerns that the lack of recruitment and levels of burnout among current crews will have dire consequences for the service.

Almost 50 percent of firefighters will engage in work stoppages today to protest what they say are unfair and unmanageable pay and conditions.

On-call firefighters at around 100 stations are striking today in a row over pay and conditions - while every on-call fire station will close next Tuesday.

Crew members have a base salary of around €8,500, and must remain within 3 kilometres of the station while on call.

Unlike full-time firefighters who are paid a wage and accrue benefits such as holiday pay, retained firefighters are paid a retainer of some €8,500 annually to be on call. They are additionally paid per call-out.

Chanelle Doyle from Tramore Fire Station told WLR News that they do not want to strike, but have no choice. Dungarvan firefighter Craig Sheehan spoke on Deise Today.

Unless pay and conditions are improved, firefighters fear that no one will enter and stay in the fire service. Many stations are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain staff.

To listen to the extensive coverage of this issue on Deise Today, press the play button above.