The FBU has attacked the plan

The base would be the first of its kind in the country and could be sited in Bath, Exeter or Cornwall.

Some Fire Brigade Union members say it will cost jobs and put lives at risk as staff will lack local knowledge.

But the government has responded by saying additional resources and technology in fewer control rooms will improve response times.

Under the plan, fire services in Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Avon, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall will be run from one control room.

Those in favour of the scheme argue that the required "local knowledge" would be provided by new technology.

They also say a regional centre would give "greater resilience" for brigades when dealing with large-scale emergencies.