Burnham-On-Sea fire station has this week issued an appeal for more local people to come forward to join its crew.
The Fire Station in Marine Drive is hosting an open evening for prospective on-call firefighters on Wednesday 22nd October at 7pm.
It comes as Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service seeks people in the Burnham community to be on-call, as ‘retained’ firefighters.
No previous experience of fire-fighting is necessary for the role – the ideal prospective firefighter starts with a commitment to the community, a positive attitude and a good level of fitness.
This is an opportunity for men and women who live and/or work within five minutes response time to the fire station to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies.
Being on-call means that you provide a level of cover whilst at work or at home and when you are needed your pager will alert you to attend the station.
People who can give cover during the day are particularly needed. Many people have primary occupations whilst on-call – either employed or self-employed, the Service has examples of employees in factories, shops, takeaways and restaurants who are on-call firefighters.
“You need to be over 18 and have a good level of fitness and strength, but sometimes people overestimate the levels required and this can deter them (particularly women) from applying,” said a spokesman.
“The service will give people advice and help in preparing for both the written and practical assessments. Equally living with a disability is not automatically a barrier to operational fire-fighting; it depends on the nature of the disability. Once you are recruited full training is provided.”
“The service is an inclusive employer and is working towards a workforce which reflects the local community, so if you are interested please come along to Burnham-on-Sea Fire Station, Marine Parade, TA8 1NQ, on Wednesday 22nd October 2014 at 7pm and find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.”
