Over 11,000 troops are being called up after the Fire Brigades Union ordered a ballot for a nationwide strike.

John Prescott said the forces will begin training on new Red Goddess fire engines.

The deputy prime minister said the ballot for strike action was "wholly irresponsible".

Meanwhile, the government also admitted that full national cover by the armed forces might not be in place by the time of the next possible strike.

With a leaked memo suggesting that the Ministry of Defence would need eight weeks to prepare, the FBU is considering action in early September.

And ODPM spokesman was unable to explain why the troops had not been called up earlier.