The Army has been drafted in to provide emergency cover in Donegal as a direct result of the firefighters' strike in Northern Ireland.
For years it has been normal practice for fire crews from the North to assist the Donegal fire services in parts of east Donegal.
However the British army, which is providing cover during the strike, is not permitted to cross the Border to attend calls.
As the Donegal fire service is largely part-time, this has prompted the local authority to take action to ensure there is proper cover in the east of the county where fire calls are frequently attended by crews from Derry and Strabane.
A spokesman for the Army confirmed that it was providing an emergency service, having been requested to do so by Donegal County Council through the Department of the Environment.
"We have approximately 30 men in place, all of whom are trained and fully qualified," he said.
The acting county engineer with Donegal County Council, Mr Jim Holohan, has confirmed that the Army now has a team in both Lifford and Burnfoot on stand-by using two fire tenders.
"They have the necessary cutting equipment and breathing apparatus should it be required," he said. "They will be covering the area in Donegal normally covered by the fire service from the North.
Lifford-based councillor, Mr Gerry Crawford, welcomed the news, saying that it was reassuring and comforting. However, he expressed concern that the public had not been made aware of the back-up arrangements until yesterday.