SOMERSET NEWS: Fire Service looks for retained firefighters in Street

STREET Fire Station is hosting an open day for prospective on-call firefighters on Tuesday (September 12, 2017) from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is looking for people in the Street community 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.

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.”

People interested 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 Fire 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 recruited full training is provided.

The Fire Service spokesman added: “We are an inclusive employer and are working towards a workforce which reflects the local community, so if you are interested please come along to the open evening.”

Street Fire Station is based at Cranhill Road, BA16 0BZ, and the open evening on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm will give people a chance to find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.

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