LANCASHIRE'S firefighters will be the first in the country to adopt high-tech in-cab methods to help them battle blazes.

All 60 of the county's engines are being fitted with on-board computers -- equipped with touch-screen control and printers -- which will allow crews to be kept up to date with the latest information on the way to an incident.

Firefighters presently use a radio network to keep in touch with headquarters but John Taylor, spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said the new system would be infinitely better.

He said: "The new system will bring about significant changes in the way we communicate with each other and other services.

"At the moment crews are literally holding maps to get to an incident. The new computers will show rolling maps that can be printed out."

The system will also give firefighters information on the layouts of buildings.

A digital radio system -- which was piloted by Lancashire Police last year -- will complement the new technology.

The high-tech equipment -- known as a Vehicle Mounted Data System (VMDS) -- was first mooted following the death of two firefighters at the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service in 1993.

The Health and Safety Executive issued a safety notice relating to information for crews and the VMDS was born.

Following a successful trial at Burnley Fire Station, approval is set to be given to fit all engines with the system at a cost of £370,000.

Station officer Peter Latham, of Burnley Fire Station, whose crews had piloted the scheme, welcomed the new system.

He said: "There is a lot more that can be accessed through the computers and it will be very useful. Anything that can improve our service to the public will always be welcomed."

Keith Cunliffe, station officer at Blackburn, said: "It is a very good idea and ultimately help us to do our job and protect the public."

John Taylor added: "Our success rate at attending incidents within Home Office targets is 98 per cent and this system could push that even higher.

"There is no gimmick. The fire service only adopts technology which is going to be reliable and ultimately this could help save lives."