SOLDIERS of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment expect to be putting out fires in Liverpool this week instead of taking on Iraq.

But the situation could change quickly, as they are on 10 days' notice to be sent anywhere in the world.

The 550 soldiers, 99 per cent of whom are from Lancashire, are training with Green Goddesses at the Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

Firefighters are set to walk out again on Thursday for 24 hours after rejecting a 16 per cent pay offer over three years.

The soldiers expect to provide the fire cover, but that is far from a certainty. FBU officials have indicated it will call off strikes that coincide with the start of war.

Captain John Harker said: "We are still on stand-by, but until we are required elsewhere, we will continue preparing to provide fire cover."

The regiment was not involved in the Gulf War but its soldiers have been deployed in Bosnia and Northern Island.

Captain Harker added: "We had to deal with the aftermath of the Omagh bombing.

"The lads have been following the situation in Iraq on the news and we get regular briefings about all the trouble-spots around the world.

"The boys are confident. Most of the young lads joined the Army to see a bit of action and they are geared up and ready, if they are required."