West Yorkshire's fire chief has promised consultation about any changes over the future framework of the brigade.

Phil Toase is worried that union frustration over the national pay dispute is bubbling over into rumours.

Mr Toase claimed that some members of the Fire Brigades' Union had resorted to scaremongering to drum up public support.

"I appreciate that the Fire Brigades Union is anxious about the Bain Report and the Deputy Prime Minister's threat to take direct control of pay and conditions of employment. But it can do no good to alarm people unnecessarily," he said, "The simple truth is that we don't have any detail about the future framework of the Fire Service but it is inconceivable that I would ever recommend or support changes which would compromise public safety."

He said the authority would always wish to consult with the FBU, Bradford Council, MPs and community groups over issues and "nothing would be sneaked in via the back door." Mr Toase's comments come on the back of claims by firefighters that Wharfedale will be one of the first areas to suffer job cuts because they have fewer call-outs.

Today a £3 million state-of-the art fire station opened at Stanningley - replacing Pudsey and Bramley stations. The closure of the Pudsey station sparked a huge protest and a 9,000-signature petition.

Some firefighters feared the cover - which will see a Pudsey fire engine move to Fairweather Green in October - will not be as effective.

Sean Cahill, secretary of West Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union, said it was a difficult situation as there were no firm proposals and many firefighters feared for their jobs because of this uncertainty.

"As I understand it, Nick Raynsford addressed a meeting of chief fire officers and told them to start drawing up risk assessments within their areas in view of the Bain Report.

"But the number of calls does not indicate risk. We want it assessed on risk to life.