Formal complaints have been lodged against a chief fire officer and a fire authority chairman after claims that they sent "highly offensive racist comments" in emails.
The Fire Brigades Union called for an inquiry into messages allegedly sent by Wiltshire Chief Fire Officer Andrew Groves and the chairman of the county's fire authority, Jerry Willmott.
The union claimed that one of the emails potentially sought to interfere with an investigation into allegations of race discrimination and victimisation at Marlborough fire station.
According to the union, one of the emails referred to white firefighters at Marlborough as "a good bunch", while the station's only black firefighter was described as a "dark" who was "nothing but trouble".
Michael Nicholas, who represents black and ethnic minority members on the FBU's national executive, said: "The comments in the emails passed to us are clearly racist, highly offensive and damage the reputation of the fire service.
"They undermine our continuing struggle to eliminate racism within the fire service and damage its good name."
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "We hear a lot of talk from senior people in the fire and rescue service about equality and diversity but this shows why we need more than just talk.
"If these emails are accurate, then such people have no place within the fire service.
"Any inquiry needs to look into the conduct and aftermath of the Marlborough investigation into allegations of race discrimination and victimisation."
