The government has set out its latest plans for reforming the fire service following clashes between ministers and unions.

Publishing the Fire and Rescue Services Bill, local government minister Nick Raynsford hailed it as the first piece of legislation to modernise the service for many years.

But unions said the government's legislation would lead to cuts in the fire service.

The bill builds on the proposals set out in the white paper "Our fire and rescue service", which was a response to Sir George Bain's review of the fire service.

It will place a greater emphasis on prevention work by creating a new duty for fire and rescue authorities to promote fire safety.

In future the fire service will also have a responsibility to respond to emergencies such as flooding.

"The bill is a crucial step forward in the government's modernisation agenda for the fire and rescue service," said Raynsford.

Other changes include establishing the core duties of the service, beyond fire fighting, such as rescues from road traffic accidents and responding to serious environmental disasters and terrorist threats.

"We all recognise the professionalism and bravery of fire fighters in what remains a dangerous job," added Raynsford.

"But the fact remains that despite the success of the service in attending fires, too many lives are still lost.

"What we need is greater focus on preventing fires in the first place.

"The bill will help shift the focus of the service towards a more preventative and risk-based approach through, in particular, the new duty to promote fire safety.

"And for the first time the wider role of the service, in dealing with road traffic accidents, responding to the greater threat posed by terrorism and environmental disasters such as serious flooding, will be put on a proper statutory footing."

The plans were welcomed by the Health and Safety Executive, which praised the move towards a greater emphasis on fire prevention matters.

But the Fire Brigades Union said the legislation was a backwards step.

"A listening government would try out new ideas not rush into them without knowing whether they will work or not," said union chief Andy Gilchrist.

"This headlong dash is dangerous folly and would never be attempted in any other public service."