MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - West Allis and Wauwatosa councils have approved a merger between their fire departments, which will be called the Milwaukee Metro Fire Department. 

“The fire department consolidation in Wauwatosa and West Allis certainly looks great on its merits,” Milwaukee Common Council Member Peter Burgelis said. “Using the word Milwaukee really takes a lot of liberties.”

Burgelis says the similarity between the two names could lead to confusion that would result in safety questions. 

“The whole issue is accountability right, who’s responding to the scene, who’s responsible for this call for service,” Burgelis said. “Who’s protecting the life and safety of our residents?”

The city of West Allis released a statement on Friday, saying “residents and businesses in either coverage area within Milwaukee County will get the high-quality service they expect no matter which department arrives.”

“Any confusion there is a disservice to the public,” Burgelis said. 

The City of Milwaukee also released a statement, backing up the message from West Allis.

"Most will likely not even be aware anything has changed as the closest, most appropriate emergency response company in Milwaukee County will continue to be dispatched, regardless of what city the emergency is in," the statement read.