NORTH Wales Fire and Rescue Service is calling on volunteers in communities across Denbighshire to join its ranks.

At a time of cuts to public services the fire service is asking members of the public for help with the myriad of challenges it faces on a daily basis by becoming an on-call firefighter.

An on-call firefighter is a volunteer who responds to a range of fire and rescue service jobs, such as handling emergency calls, working at open days, carrying out community work and acting as an fire service ambassador.

On-call firefighters include but are not confined to homemakers, shopkeepers, builders, farmers, office workers and directors of companies, as well as people who are unemployed - full training is provided so previous experience is not needed.

An on-call firefighter could be called out at any time they agree to be available and the amount of calls they receive will vary.

Nicola Jones, senior recruitment officer, said: “On-call firefighters are a vital part of our service and community. They are highly skilled and respected individuals who give up their free time, and often some of their work or family time, to carry out the professional role of firefighter.

“There’s no such thing as a typical firefighter, applications are welcomed from all sectors of the community - the service recruits on merit and ability, so whether you’re male, female, short or tall, if you think you might have what it takes please register your interest in the role and to find out more about taster events and open evenings."

To be an on-call firefighter you must:

  • Have a strong desire to support the local community.
  • Be enthusiastic about working as part of a team.
  • Have a reasonable level of personal fitness.
  • Live or/and work within five minutes of your local fire station (in exceptional circumstances this response time can be extended).
  • Be over the age of 18.

Ms Jones added: “Whilst the commitment they make is massive, the reward and sense of achievement, skills and transferable training they receive makes it worthwhile.

"The service is also keen to hear from community-minded employers who may be willing to release staff from their workplaces to protect their communities - we would like to provide information about the advantages of employing on-call firefighters such as health and safety and medical response training, as well as developing situational awareness, leadership skills and the ability to work under pressure.”

For more information visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.