The 96-hour shifts are among proposals being considered by the fire authority, including cutting back on community fire prevention visits and reducing crew numbers at Somerset stations to match how Devon operates.

BBC: Devon and Somerset firefighters face 96-hour shifts

However the measure has come under fire from penal reformers who claim the money spent locking up offenders would be more effective in cutting crime if spent on crime prevention measures.

BBC: Burglars face tougher sentences