The army's fire engines are on standby for civilian use after pay talks aimed at averting a national strike by firemen broke down after 90 minutes yesterday.

The Green Goddesses - last used during a strike in 1977 - may be required after the Fire Brigades' Union stated it will recommend industrial action at a conference next week.

Union leaders want a 40 per cent average increase which would mean a boost in the basic salary from about £22,000 to £30,000 a year.

Employers have offered a four per cent increase.