Old army Green Goddesses are about to return to Keighley's streets.

Two of the ageing machines will be based in the town to provide cover during the planned national strike by firefighters.

This week the public and businesses were urged to draw up contingency plans, as fire chiefs warned that cover would fall well short of the usual level.

Local NHS Trust bosses revealed they had drawn up their own major plans -- including the formation of a special fire response team based at Airedale Hospital -- to help protect patients and staff.

A series of stoppages is planned between now and Christmas by members of the Fire Brigades Union in pursuit of a 40 per cent pay claim, beginning with a 48-hour strike from 9am on Tuesday.

Twenty-nine Green Goddesses -- which were last seen in Keighley a quarter of a century ago during the last national fire strike -- are being deployed throughout West Yorkshire, to be manned by military personnel.

The army said it had been instructed by the Government not to release any deployment details, but we can reveal that crews and vehicles will be based at a location close to the town centre. None will be sited at fire stations.

Cover will also be provided for areas such as Silsden and Haworth, whose fire stations are manned by retained crews.

With brigade control room staff also set to strike, a special operational command centre will be established. All 999 calls will automatically go through to the temporary centre.

Fire service chiefs warn that although Green Goddesses are well equipped for basic firefighting and military personnel are trained, the level of cover provided will not be as comprehensive as normal.

Keighley station commander Alan Coughlan urges the public to adopt a few simple safety measures around the home to help reduce the risk of fire.

He said: "No one is pretending that the fire cover will be up to the same standard as that provided by professional firefighters and the public should take precautions.

"Following some basic steps can minimise the risks -- check that smoke detectors are working properly, ensure you have an escape plan in case of fire and that everyone in the household is aware of it, and adopt a bedtime routine where you make sure things are switched off and doors closed."

Airedale NHS Trust has formulated a raft of measures in line with Department of Health contingency plans.

It has produced a fire safety checklist for staff at all its sites, giving detailed advice on ways of reducing risks.

The fire response team set up at Airedale Hospital will in the first instance investigate any incidents at the site and then direct Green Goddesses on their arrival. The team will provide around-the-clock cover.

The trust, which began formulating its contingency plans last month when details of possible strikes were first given, has also invested in extra firefighting equipment.

A spokesman said: "We are putting a large effort into fire prevention, and the key to this will be regular and systematic checks of the whole site by the fire safety advisor and managers to make sure any risk is minimised.

"We also have the capacity for a mobile medical team using our Hunter 1 vehicle.

"This would link in with the ambulance service and will be able to give help if anyone is trapped."

Bradford Council said it was formulating contingency plans for all its buildings, such as schools, leisure centres, museums and libraries.

A spokesman said: "We are closely monitoring the situation, and are working with the appropriate agencies to make arrangements to ensure the safety of staff and the public at our various buildings."

Steve Davison -- president of Keighley Trades Union Council, which has written to the Fire Brigades Union pledging its support -- stressed that employers had a responsibility to check risk assessments on their premises in the light of the planned strikes.

He said: "In consultation with union representatives, they need to consider what procedures are in place and if any changes should be made."