PEOPLE in York and North Yorkshire "will die" if firefighters go on strike.

This is the stark warning made today by the county's chief fire officer, Eric Clarke.

He revealed that planned emergency cover would not be adequate enough to deal with serious incidents, particularly road accidents.

Rural areas could be particularly exposed because of a lack of specialist equipment and manpower, he said.

The Ministry of Defence has made preparations to send 250 Army fire engines - the Green Goddesses - to Catterick Garrison to provide emergency cover across the region should industrial action go ahead.

Soldiers at the North Yorkshire base have also been put on standby in case members the Fire Brigades' Union vote to strike for a 40 per cent pay increase.

Members will be balloted on Friday to decide whether action should take place.

"People will die if the strike goes ahead," Mr Clarke told the Evening Press.

"North Yorkshire has one of the highest road traffic accident rates in the country. The emergency cover will not be adequate enough to respond as quickly and effectively as we do now. If a fire does occur during the strike, people are not going to get the same level of attention and expertise.

"There are not sufficient numbers of vehicles and equipment available outside the fire brigade."

The Yorkshire Air Museum, at Elvington, has again offered City of York Council its emergency services in the face of problems.

The museum operates a 38-tonne, 3,000 gallon foam and water tender, which was used to keep floodwaters away from thousands of homes during the floods in 2000.

It also has a six-wheeled fast response vehicle with cutting equipment and a 250-gallon foam and water tank.

Museum director Ian Reed said: "Following discussion with the county service, we have again offered our small service to York council. If we can be of use to the community we're able to respond to the call."

Mr Clarke said: "We've had discussions with the military and there's some idea of what might be available.

"A lot depends on how many firefighters go on strike as significant numbers in our region are not union members.

"Those not out on strike could provide cover for the rural areas and military support could be focused on urban areas."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said: "Contingency plans are in place if the strike goes ahead."

Updated: 11:46 Tuesday, September 24, 2002