Scottish crews could take action

He said Scotland's firefighters are prepared to take action in support of their colleagues if the situation is not resolved quickly.

"The implications of what is happening in Merseyside are a national threat to our national framework of negotiating pay and conditions," said Mr McGhee.

"Brigades across Scotland have been holding meetings and having discussions and there are already calls to take whatever action is necessary to support the firefighters in Merseyside. That could include strike action.

"We hope we can avoid that though and we hope the dispute can be resolved, especially given that it is just one employer involved."

If Scotland's firefighters were to take strike action it is possible that military "Green Goddess" fire engines would be used.

Meanwhile, union leaders in Merseyside have already announced plans for further industrial action once the current boycott ends.

Striking members of the FBU will walk out for a second time at 1730 BST on Monday, 23 July - less than 72 hours after returning to work.

The second wave of strike action is set to last eight consecutive days.

'Two-tier system'

Fire cover in the area is being provided by servicemen and women from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy and the Army's Green Goddesses are being used on the streets.

The action was sparked by a plan to recruit non-uniformed officers into senior positions.

Chief Fire Officer Malcolm Saunders believes allowing non-uniformed applicants to be considered for middle-management posts would encourage more women and ethnic minorities to join the service.

But union officials maintain the employment of non-uniformed and untrained staff in mid-management roles threatens public safety.

There are also fears that managers brought in with no fire service experience will bypass officers who have spent years in the job - in effect creating a two-tier system threatening the traditional career ladder.