New recruits wanted to join the crew

A shortage of firefighters could set alarm bells ringing at Axminster.

So a recruitment day is being organised at the newly refurbished station – now a combined emergency HQ with the local police - next month.

Prospective on-call firefighters are being urged to go along on Saturday, April 11, between 9am and 5pm.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is looking for people in the Axminster community to be retained crew members. No previous experience of firefighting 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.

A 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. 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.

“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 Axminster Fire Station on Saturday, April 11, between 9am and 5pm and find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.”

Axminster watch manager Ian Turner, a member of the Axminster crew for 26 years, said: “If you are right for this job it will reward you in countless ways. You will become both mentally and physically fitter, your confidence will grow and you will find an inner strength you may not have realised.”