The study, which is due to go before the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority on Tuesday, warns that the service is now struggling to cope.

Retained firefighters play a vital role in the county, manning 20 of its 23 fire stations, with part time crews attached to two of the other three.

The report says it has become "virtually impossible" to crew appliances in the daytime in some parts of Shropshire.

Increased workloads

A recent campaign to attract new retained firefighters resulted in only five applications in the areas where they are most needed.

Some parts of the Shropshire have recently been without enough cover because of the lack of retained staff, the report found.

The shortage means firefighters from other areas are having to be placed on stand-by, increasing their workloads and reducing cover in their own areas.

The report also warns that there is a danger the authority will not be able to meet strict rules governing emergency call-out times.