Fire Service Minister Nick Raynsford has urged firefighters to call off their planned walkout as he launched a �1.8m public safety campaign.

He argued that it was still possible to stop the strike, which he claimed "will put people's lives at risk".

We are continuing to work tirelessly to try and find a way to resolve this unnecessary dispute

Nick Raynsford

Newspapers, radio and text services will carry the government warning to householders that in the event of a fire during the strike, they should "get out, stay out and call 999".

Mr Raynsford said the campaign was a response to public concern about whether dialling 999 was still the way to get help while industrial action was going on.

He urged people to be particularly careful in putting out cigarettes and candles, switching off electrical appliances, testing smoke alarms and keeping lighters and matches away from children.

'Drastic consequences'

The minister also warned families not to hold bonfire parties in their back gardens, but to attend municipal, organised events instead.

He told reporters at the campaign launch in central London: "We are within just a matter of days before the possible start of a national fire strike and clearly in this situation it is important that every possible step is taken to safeguard the public's lives and indeed, their safety. That is why we are launching today a new fire safety publicity campaign.

"The withdrawal of fire brigade support could have drastic consequences and the need for vigilance is paramount, yet people may be unsure what they should do if a fire does occur during industrial action and that is why a very clear message needs to go out.

Mr Raynsford said the strike is "unnecessary"

"That message is: 'get out, stay out and call 999', your call will be answered.

"A lot of people have expressed concerns as to whether 999 calls will remain the route for reaching the emergency services - it will and any 999 calls will remain answered."

Mr Raynsford said the publicity campaign provided basic guidance to help prevent fires.

Advice to businesses

One radio advert says: "If there's a fire in your home, even during a strike, get out, stay out and call 999. Fire kills - you can prevent it."

Some four million homes of elderly people, students and those living in multiple occupancy will be targeted.

Leaflets will be sent to local authorities, GPS, Citizens Advice Bureaux and health trusts. Firefighters will also help the distribution.

It will put people's lives at risk

Nick Raynsford

Sir Graham Meldrum, chief inspector of the Fire Service, is writing to 25,000 companies that employ over 100 people to encourage them to take stock of their fire plans.

Letters will also go to 600 trade unions and 2,700 trade associations and chambers of commerce.

"We hope that this campaign will reach across to very large numbers of people, particularly those people who are most at risk and people who are nervous and worried about the potential risks in the event of a fire strike."

'Stop this strike'

But Mr Raynsford insisted that the firefighters' strike was not a fait accompli.

"We are continuing to work tirelessly to try and find a way to resolve this unnecessary dispute.

"I have had discussions right the way through yesterday evening and the early hours of the morning for that purpose.

"We still believe it is possible to stop this strike."

Mr Raynsford said the independent inquiry into fire service pay and conditions by Sir George Bain provided an "alternative way" to resolve the strike.

'Scargillite'

"I want people to know that we are doing everything we possibly can to find an alternative to what would be a very damaging and disruptive dispute.

"It will put people's lives at risk and it is much better for us to negotiate on the basis of the Bain report."

Mr Raynsford refused to be drawn on whether Prime Minister Tony Blair had privately used the expression "Scargillite" to describe the Fire Brigade Union's behaviour.

"I think at the moment there are feelings running very high on many sides," he said.