An unpublished government report says the fire service needs more resources to cut fire deaths, it has been reported.

The so-called "pathfinder" report, looking at 11 brigades over three years, concluded they needed more firefighters and more fire engines, according to Channel 4 News.

The findings appeared to contradict the conclusions of the government-appointed Bain review of firefighters' pay.

Sir George Bain put the case for reform

The review, which has been rejected by the Fire Brigades Union, suggested a more efficient service by changing working practices and not replacing retiring staff.

But Fire Service Minister Nick Raynsford said the pathfinder document presented two scenarios - another suggesting spending could be cut by almost half with very little increase in risk.

Channel News 4 said it had obtained a leaked copy of the report which showed metropolitan brigades needed a 50% increase in the number of fire engines, while rural brigades also needed more appliances and full time crew.

Some brigades have said they need to double in size.

Mr Raynsford said the programme had only seen part of the report.

"There is one part of the analysis which does show that you could hugely increase expenditure on the fire service and not actually gain very much in the way of safety," he told the programme.

'Not helpful'

"The other shows that you could make very substantial cuts without any serious additional risk. We don't think either of these are very helpful."

The Bain review recommended a two-year pay rise of 11%, tied to sweeping changes in working practices.

A White Paper setting out legislative and other changes needed to reform the fire service is to be published next spring.

The FBU is planning two 48-hour strikes on 28 January and 1 February, unless talks with conciliation service Acas are successful.