Government studies 'banning fire strikes' as army tackles large blaze
Two people are being treated in hospital after a fire broke out at a string of garages in Manchester. Four Green Goddesses with army personnel tackled the fire in the industrial Ancoats area of Manchester city centre.
Within eight minutes an appliance was at the scene and 33 soldiers spent more than two hours trying to bring the blaze under control as fireworks stored in one of the garages continue to explode.
Meanwhile, the Government has attempted to raise the stakes in the bitter firefighters' dispute amid suggestions that ministers are considering moves to ban strikes in the fire service.
There is also speculation that the Government is examining allowing troops to use civilian fire tenders instead of ageing Green Goddesses.
As the 48-hour walkout by members of the Fire Brigades Union continued, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott attacked the walkout as "wrong and unjustified" and warned that lives were being put at risk.
Three people have died in house fires since the start of the action and troops have dealt with a stream of 999 calls.
The union said many of its members had left picket lines to deal with emergencies, but remained solidly behind the campaign for a 40% pay rise.
Mr Prescott's officials said the Government was "prepared to look at everything", although they refused to confirm whether strike bans or using fire tenders during stoppages were being considered.
The Deputy Prime Minister said in the Commons that ministers "may have to review many of the issues which until now we have kept off the table".
