Decision due on Cumbria and Northumberland fire plan
The first round of talks to decide whether Cumbria and Northumberland fire services could work more closely together will be held this week.
The proposal would involve the two services sharing a chief fire officer and joint working.
Members of Cumbria County Council's cabinet will make a decision on Friday and members of Northumberland County Council's cabinet the following Monday.
If they agree to pursue the plan, a feasibility study will be carried out.
The councils said the proposal would not affect frontline services.
It is being looked at because of similarities between the two services, such as their working practices, the rural areas they cover and the mix of retained and full-time firefighters.