Untrained soldiers could be left to fight fires in Sussex if brigades strike over pay, it has been claimed.

Ballot papers issued by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have been posted to members up and down the country who have three weeks to decide if they want to take action for higher pay.

East Sussex FBU secretary Jim Parrott said it looked likely firefighters in the county would vote in favour of action.

Meanwhile, FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist accused the Government of showing contempt for public safety, expressing concern that 3,000 troops, trained to fight fires, were being deployed to Iraq.

He said public safety could be left in the hands of untrained soldiers.

Mr Gilchrist said: "They are moving 3,000 troops from life-saving duties in the UK to killing duties in Iraq. I understand their plans are to replace these 3,000 troops with new untrained troops for Green Goddess duties.

"This will not only put the lives of the public at risk but also the lives of the untrained soldiers.

"I would urge our national employers and the Government to resolve the national fire service dispute forthwith by paying our members the correct rate for the job - which is £30,000."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the FBU's information was "very misleading."

He confirmed between 2,500 and 3,000 troops trained for firefighting had been redeployed to their units and the same number had replaced them and were in training.

No decision had been taken to send troops to Iraq and firefighting duties would not be compromised.