Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has paused plans to close eight rural fire stations as part of savings proposals.
The service will ask the government for flexibility to increase the fire precept next year.
If the request is refused, the Fire and Rescue Authority has recommended the closures should still go ahead.
More than 6,000 people took part in a consultation on the proposals, which included stations at Bradford-on-Avon, Wilton, Ramsbury and Mere.
The service says it has already saved £6.75 million over the past four years but still faces a £1.2 million budget deficit.
Plans for modernisation over the next three years include smaller response vehicles, updated equipment and a review of buildings and estates.
