The ballot was approved at a special conference of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Manchester where 242 delegates from all 58 brigades in the UK unanimously agreed to the move.

Jock Munro, co-ordinator for the FBU in Strathclyde, said the union was determined to persevere with its estimated 40% pay rise which would boost salaries from £21,500 to £30,000.

The FBU wants a 40% pay increase

However, the body representing Scottish local authorities said the union should have accepted proposals for an independent review of their claim.

Mr Munro said: "Our employers and the government have refused to recognise the high value that is placed on the fire service by the people of this country.

"They are playing politics with peoples' lives.

"We must be given fair recompense for the vital role that we play within society."

Pat Watters, President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, said: "We value our firefighters and the vital role they play in securing the safety of our communities - to suggest otherwise is outrageous.

"We know that there is a case for a meaningful pay increase as well as a new system of pay indexation but we as employers cannot meet the pay aspirations of the FBU and they know that.

Green Goddess

"If they are really confident about the legitimacy of their claim an independent review is the only way forward and we would urge firefighters across the country to give us that time before rushing head long into damaging strike action."

Delegates in Manchester voted on a show of hands unanimously in favour of a strike ballot and again in a card vote showing 51,849 supporting a ballot and none against.

More than 55,000 firefighters will vote over the next few weeks on whether to stage the first national walkout in the fire service for 25 years.

A series of 24 or 48-hour strikes could begin at the end of October.

The Ministry of Defence said hundreds of military Green Goddess fire engines have been put on standby to replace fire brigade vehicles in the event of industrial action.