NEW figures have backed up union warnings that cutting the number of

firefighters on duty at night would cost lives.

The issue of night-time cover is at the heart of the dispute which

has led to a series of strikes by firefighters since November.

Now it has been revealed that people in North Yorkshire are four times more likely to die in a fire in the early hours of the morning as during daylight hours.

The official figures show there are 3.9 deaths per 1,000 fires attended by North Yorkshire fire and rescue service during the hours of midnight to 9am. Yet there was not a single fatality between either 9am and 6pm or 6pm and midnight, according to a written Parliamentary answer published today.

North Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union (FBU) chairman Jeff Morrow said today: "We don't get the same amount of calls at night, but those we do get are more serious.

"Cutting firefighters at this time will cost lives and put us in danger because we won't have the resources."

Last year's independent report by Sir George Bain demanded reform of the traditional shift pattern worked by firefighters, which is two days on, two nights on, four days off. It said most fires occur during daylight hours.

Meanwhile, the FBU executive was meeting today to consider fresh strikes after angrily rejecting a "final" offer.

They spent just three hours last week throwing out a 16 per cent pay offer over three years, complaining that "strings" attached to the deal would worsen conditions for firemen and women.

A recalled national conference will be staged next week and could endorse any fresh walkouts, which could coincide with the start of military action in Iraq. Meanwhile, York FBU members will be holding a branch meeting on Thursday to formally vote on the 16 per cent pay offer.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, March 11, 2003