SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Crewkerne Fire Station recruiting on-call firefighters

CREWKERNE Fire Station is hosting an open evening later this month for prospective on-call firefighters lto learn more about the job.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is looking for people in the Crewkerne community to be on-call or ‘retained’ firefighters, particularly between the hours of 6am and 8pm.

No previous experience of fire-fighting 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.

An open evening will be held at the Crewkerne Fire Station in Blacknell Lane, Crewkerne, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at 7.30pm and will allow for potential recruits to find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.

A Fire Service spokesman said: “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.”

The spokesman added: “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 fire-fighting; it depends on the nature of the disability. Once you are recruited full training is provided.”

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