Union leaders say the move could leave them short staffed

The ballot result was announced on Thursday afternoon, with 81% in favour.

The dispute centres on management demands that fire crews be trained to deal with some medical emergencies as well as normal fire and rescue duties.

The precise nature and timing of the industrial action has yet to be decided, a union spokesman said.

We have always made it clear our reaction to this would be robust Mike Thomas, Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Barry Foster, brigade secretary for the county, said the result was a clear message for management.

"All it means now is that we are going to inform the fire authority of the result," he said.

"We will then hold a meeting and decide the exact nature of our industrial action short of strike action, we will inform the brigade and we will then commence the industrial action.

"There will be very little difference, if any at all, to the public but what it will mean is that we have sent a very clear message to our brigade management and the fire authority."

Mike Thomas, Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Lincolnshire, said the fire authority would consider its next move carefully.

"We will contact the union and see what they intend to do but we have always made it clear our reaction to this would be robust.

"If people are only going to do part of the job they will only get part of the pay.