Representatives of the Fire Brigades Union in Northern Ireland have held talks with the government ahead of next week's planned firefighters' strike.

Fire Brigades Union spokesman Jim Barbour was part of a delegation that met Northern Ireland Office minister Des Browne to press the need for immediate talks to resolve the pay dispute.

Mr Barbour said 32 green goddesses could not replace 130 modern fire engines crewed by 2,000 staff.

Full-time firefighters are planning to begin the series of walkouts on 29 October. Strikes will last from two to eight days at a time, and are planned to take place over 36 days.

They are calling for a pay rise of 40% to increase their salaries to �30,000.

We are putting our staff on heightened alert

James Livingston Down and Lisburn Trust

Employers have offered 4% as an interim deal, plus whatever an independent government review recommends should be linked to new ways of working.

More than 96% of the union's members in Northern Ireland voted in favour of the industrial action.

Meanwhile, hospitals across the province are putting staff on heightened alert as they prepare for the strike.

James Livingstone from the Down and Lisburn Trust said they were putting practical arrangements in place.

"We have confidence always in our local service and we know that the dedication of those who man the Green Goddesses is not in question," he said.

"But clearly the level of equipment they carry, the expertise, may not be of the same level so what we are doing is putting our staff on heightened alert."

Des Browne called on union to reconsider

Speaking on Monday, Des Browne said the consequences of the strike could be dangerous.

Mr Browne has been in charge of health and public safety at Stormont since the assembly was suspended.

He said the Army and 32 Yellow Goddess fire engines would provide emergency cover - about a third of the front-line fire appliances currently being used by the fire service

"I would strongly urge firefighters and the FBU to reconsider their decision and avoid a damaging and dangerous dispute," he said.

'Opportunity'

"We are proud of the job firefighters do, particularly in Northern Ireland, and this was publicly recognised by the first ever Northern Ireland Assembly Award last year.

"However, no government could simply agree a 40% wage claim which would lead to higher taxes or cuts in other key services."

The minister said the Independent Review of Fire Services announced in September "provides a real opportunity to consider all of the issues facing the Fire Service, including pay and modernisation".