Essex firefighters were today on the brink of industrial action.

An emergency union meeting was due to be held this afternoon which could mean firefighters across the county would attend 999 calls only.

Fire Brigades Union branches at Essex fire stations have been voting on the proposal.

The shock disclosure comes months after Essex Fire and Rescue Service staff and unions agreed strikes over budget cuts were ruled out this year following a reasonable cash settlement.

But today's dispute relates to personnel matters and allegations made regarding part-time Epping fire station.

If industrial action is agreed firefighters will refuse to attend non-emergency calls such as fire prevention inspections from as early as this week.

It is unlikely that the Army or the police will be called upon to cover.

Last year Essex firefighters went on strike over budget cuts for the second year running. The three-month dispute cost taxpayers about £1.7 million.

A separate issue - over national proposals to change the national wage agreement - has raised the spectre of a national fire strike.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.