Two open days are to be held at Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station for prospective on-call firefighters to find out more about joining the service.
The open days will be held on Monday 10th July from 2pm to 7pm, and Wednesday 9th August from 2pm to 7pm.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is looking for people in the Burnham-On-Sea area to be on-call or ‘retained’ firefighters.
No previous experience of firefighting is necessary for this role – the ideal prospective firefighter starts with a commitment to the community, a positive attitude and a good level of fitness.
The Service is looking for people who can provide cover during the day on Monday-Friday and have permission from their employers if they would need to be released from their primary employment to attend incidents.
“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,” said spokesman Paul Slaven.
“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.”
“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 firefighting; it depends on the nature of the disability. Once you are recruited full training is provided.”
The fire service is an inclusive employer and is working towards a workforce which reflects the local community, so if you are interested go along to Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station in Marine Drive, TA8 1NQ, on 10th July or 9th August, and find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.
