Crisis talks between Hertfordshire's fire chiefs and union bosses got underway this week after firefighters voted eight to one in favour of strike action over savage cuts' to the service.

More than 85 per cent of firefighters voted for union action in protest at plans to axe a string of services, which include closing Radlett's 100-year-old retained station, in a cost-cutting exercise to save £500,000.

Tony Smith, Radlett's Fire Station Commander and Hertfordshire Fire Brigades Union (FBU) vice-chairman, said: "The crews have demonstrated the strength of their opposition to these savage cuts. The result is one of the biggest majorities we've ever seen.

"A strike will put lives at risk, so that is our last option.

"For now, we will talk with the county councillors who voted in favour of the cuts and we remain optimistic we will be able to come to an agreement."

Talks between the two sides began on Wednesday but both the FBU and the county council have remained tight-lipped about the discussions.

Meanwhile, Radlett's firefighters were this week left demanding answers of Hertfordshire fire chief, Roy Wilsher, after London crews were called to a number of emergencies in Borehamwood instead of Radlett who are usually called for back-up.

This included a fire at BBC Elstree Studios on Tuesday morning in which Mill Hill were called as the second engine to assist Borehamwood to put out a fire which broke out in the kitchen.

Every time a London crew is called out to help Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, it costs the service £220.

A Radlett firefighter, who does not wish to be named, said: "It's ridiculous.

"We're just down the road and are sitting there twiddling our thumbs waiting to be called and they go and call a London crew out.

"We don't know what's going on, we haven't been told anything and it's really unfair."

A spokesperson for the county council said that Radlett were still being called on, and the reason why Mill Hill were called to BBC Elstree was because they are a mile closer.

But the firefighter said: "We could have been there in exactly the same time and without paying all that extra money.

"The chief says he needs to shut us down to cut costs, but meanwhile they keep forking out hundreds of pounds to call on services cross county."

Talks between all FBU members are expected to take place later today to discuss the outcome of the crunch talks with fire service chiefs, and potentially plans to strike.

Mr Smith said: "County councillors want to cut the service to save cash. We want to protect the service to save lives because we know how important it is.

"The fact that they're talking is a good sign and I'm optimistic.

"I'm still confident Radlett Fire Station can be saved and would like to thank everyone who is still helping and ask them not to give up yet," he said.