Figures have backed up union warnings that cutting the number of firefighters on duty at night would cost lives in Wiltshire.

The issue of night 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 Wiltshire are three-and-a-half 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 5.7 deaths per 1,000 fires attended by Wiltshire fire brigade during the hours of midnight to 9am, compared with only 1.6 between 9am and 6pm.

The figures were released as the FBU met yesterday to discuss whether to call further strikes following the latest breakdown of talks.

The Government has insisted there will be no improvement on the offer of a 16 per cent pay rise over three years, which was rejected by the union last week.

Fire Brigades Union leader Andy Gilchrist is meeting firefighters at the Thistle Hotel in Swindon tomorrow to discuss concerns over a new joint emergency services headquarters. Firefighters are concerned it will lead to job losses and compromise safety.