Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is urgently seeking to recruit retained firefighters in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Modbury.

In the event of additional firefighters not being found, there may be occasions in the future when appliances from other stations have to attend incidents in these areas.

Group Manager Keith Swallow said: “Firefighters are normal people who live or work in the community. They are builders, housewives, postal workers, and shop keepers - in fact they come from all and every walk of life. The only thing that they have in common is that they have all decided to put something back into the community by becoming trained as firefighters.

“Now it is the firefighters themselves that need your help. There simply aren’t enough of them and there is a real shortage of new volunteers. The number of firefighters at these stations is so short that there is a real danger that the fire engine may not be available at certain times of the day.

“Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service can provide the station, engines, equipment and training but the firefighters themselves have to come from the community.

“We know that there are many, many more women that are capable of becoming firefighters who are reluctant to put themselves forward. Most people believe that the physical strength required to be a firefighter is much greater than it actually is.”

Applicants must be at least 18 and physically fit. They need to be available Monday-Friday, however different contracts are available at all three stations. Successful applicants will have a chance to attend First Aid courses and LGV driving courses.

Anyone interested should contact their local fire station to discuss availability and suitability.

Contact:

Kingsbridge, 01548 852393, Mondays, 7-9pm

Salcombe, 01548 842320, Mondays, 7-9pm

Modbury, 01548 830634, Tuesday, 7-9pm

For more information on retained recruitment telephone 01392 872331

ENDS