Milwaukee firemen strike after contract talks stall

City firemen went on strike here Sunday in a contract dispute and a fire department spokesman said the Wisconsin National Guard would be called out to assist in firefighting. The illegal walkout began early Sunday, shortly after negotiations broke down. The old contract expired at midnight Saturday. No new negotiations were immediately scheduled.

Sources had said earlier the talks were deadlocked over a demand by union firefighters asking for the same pay received by c ity police officers.