ONE of the leading members of Hampshire's firefighters' union has warned the government is entering into a "dangerous area" after John Prescott turned up the heat on striking firefighters by unveiling moves to impose a pay rise on them.

The tough new move was announced just hours after members of the Fire Brigades' Union walked out of fire stations yesterday to launch a 48-hour strike, again seeing troops provide emergency cover.

The move has led to claims that the government may be looking at banning firefighter strikes.

FBU pay co-ordinator for Hampshire Wayne Parsons condemned the "bully-boy" tactics of the government.

He said: "I don't think this has come as any great shock that this is the sort of tactic that he would consider doing.

"It puts a whole new slant on the situation. It seems to go a long way to prove that the government are adamant that they are going to have their way. Every time the employers have shown some initiative, their options have been taken away by government interference."

Meanwhile, Green Goddesses were in action in Southampton yesterday as Royal Navy crews were called to a gas main fire at Hinkler Road in the city.

Police closed the busy road in Thornhill at around 3.40pm after contractors working on a road punctured the main and sparks from the digger caused a minor fire.

Green Goddesses were also called to a suspected flat fire at Warburton Road, Thornhill, later in the evening but it turned out to be a hoax call.

Another 48-hour strike is planned to start at 9am on Saturday.

Gilchrist to make visit

FIRE Brigade Union leader Andy Gilchrist is to visit Winchester tomorrow to discuss whether or not Hampshire firefighters should go on a second set of strikes.

An emergency meeting in the city has been brought forward 24 hours to assess support for another series of strikes being planned in response to the sacking of a firefighter in Basingstoke.

As reported in the Daily Echo on Friday, the union are considering the action because Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service chiefs sacked Basingstoke firefighter Andy Green under incapability rules, after Mr Green had been off work sick since October 2000.

The FBU say this is unfair because Mr Green was only off sick because of depression brought about by his suspension from the service for allegedly calling an illegal union meeting.

Sacking him on the incapability ruling would mean Mr Green not getting his pension - something that has angered union members.

Paul Christopher, Hampshire FBU chairman, said: "Hampshire firefighters are attending emergency branch meetings across the county to discuss the issue and consider a local ballot for strike action.

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This dismissal is on the basis of our absentee management system which is a process that was agreed by the FBU.

"It was not to do with an incapability ruling and the timing of the dismissal was more to do with the request of that fireman and his representatives than his employers."