The management of rural firefighting around the country will soon undergo extensive amalgamation.
The National Rural Fire Authority has begun discussions that will see 86 fire districts reduced to 14 within three years.
Chief executive Murray Dudfield says amalgamation will make for better management and less duplication of depots and equipment.
However, territorial jealousies and funding issues may make the process anything but straightforward.
Mr Dudfield says there may be some resistance, but says the Government has signalled that if fire districts are not merged voluntarily within three years, it may legislate to force changes.
