NEXT week's planned fire strike will again put pressure on members of the armed forces in charge of manning Green Goddesses.

Firefighters will be on the picket lines -- instead of on their fire engines -- just when the prospect of war with Iraq means Britain's troops could be needed elsewhere.

The Bolton Evening Newsconducted a straw poll on views of the firefighters' action and their 40 per cent pay claim.

George Fletcher, aged 62, from Radcliffe, said: "I don't really think they should be striking at all. What they're asking for is right over the top. I think that's what got the public's back up. I have sympathy for them, they deserve to get good money for what they do, but I'd like to know what kind of people get a 40 per cent raise."

Andrew Southern, aged 26, from Farnworth, said: "I don't think they should be on strike, they're on enough money as it is. They're always complaining about how bad it is, but the fire service is always over subscribed.

"As far as the Army is concerned, it's their duty to help out in situations like this, that's just the way it is. But if there is a war, the troops are better off fighting over there than saving cats up trees."

Beth Edwards, aged 25, from Walkden also questioned the 40 per cent demands.

She said: "If firemen can get that kind of rise, it'll open the flood gates for everyone working in the public sector. Yes, it is a dangerous job, but I think their demands are a little bit too high. I don't think it really matters when they strike, because there's always going to be a threat of some kind."

Steve Kay, aged 47, from Breightmet Drive, Breightmet said: "What they want is too much. Firefighters do a good job, but they knew how much they were going to get paid when they took the job. Going on strike when we might be going to war just makes more problems for everyone."

However Kevin Whitton, aged 45, from Farnworth scoffed at suggestions that the firefighters' actions would have an impact on any war with Iraq. "That's a load of rubbish," he said. "The Government just talk about going to war to try and get out of this situation with the firefighters. They deserve a decent pay for the job they do. What they're asking for is a lot of money, but if they're risking their lives then they should get it."

Elizabeth Stones, aged 62, of Bradshaw said: "If we do go to war, and there was a danger when the firemen were on strike, don't you think they would do what they could to help? I don't think anyone would just turn their backs on the situation."