The consultation, to get under way next month, will outline three options for fire and police services - eight services with enhanced collaboration between them, a regional structure with fewer boards, or a single service for fire and a single force for police.

BBC: Scottish police force merger plan outlined

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said one of the options was to have no response time target, "simply a commitment to attending every life-threatening incident as quickly and safely as possible".

BBC: Views urged on South Yorkshire fire response targets

In its two variants, it offers zero risk options with unparallel speed of deployment, simplicity in use, fire power and reliability.

BBC: News Online

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was also examining a possible merger with a neighbouring brigade among a list of 50 options.

BBC: Shropshire fire service 'must cut extra ?1.6m'