Firefighters across the UK were tonight preparing for an eight-day strike over pay as their union leaders were embroiled in frantic talks in a bid to achieve a last-gasp deal.
As the walkout looked set to go ahead from 9am tomorrow, Fire Brigades Union officials and local authority leaders were holding private discussions.
Military Green Goddess vehicles were standing ready to provide emergency cover and firemen and women were gearing up to mount picket lines in what could be one of the most damaging strikes for years.
The two sides clashed angrily over the details of a pay offer tabled by the employers to try to break the deadlock.
Union leaders insisted the offer was only worth 4 per cent, with future increases linked to modernisation.
"That is an entirely unacceptable position. We deserve a significant rise.," said Mr Andy Gilchrist the union's general secretary.
But the employers said they were offering an exceptional deal worth 16 per cent in return for delivery of a radical programme of change.
"The package has something for everyone and can prevent the threat of an imminent strike, with the risk to safety that will follow," said a statement from the employers.
The deal was worth 4 per cent immediately with two further payments of 3.5 per cent next year and would increase the pay of a firefighter from £21,500 to £25,000 in a year's time.
One of the main sticking points was how modernisation of the fire service should be linked to the pay rises.
Mr Gilchrist, union president Ms Ruth Winters and assistant general secretary Mike Fordham held four hours of talks with employers earlier today and the two sides were back together tonight at a secret location.
Earlier tonight, Deputy Prime Minister Mr John Prescott urged the firefighters to call off the strike.
PA