Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue's being accused of trying to charge for its services.

The Fire Brigades Union claims they asked Somerset County Council to pay for firefighters to man a rescue boat ... while repair work's done on the West Quay river wall in Bridgwater.

The Service says it already undertakes commercial activity to help make up for government cuts with the approach approved by the Fire Authority ... and will never put public safety at risk to fulfill contracts.