WELLINGTON Fire Station is looking for prospective on-call firefighters to join its ranks.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is looking for people in the Wellington 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.

This is an opportunity for men and women who live and/or work within a five-minute response time to the fire station to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies.

Being on-call means you provide a level of cover while 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 and weekends are particularly needed.

Many people have primary occupations while on-call – either employed or self-employed, the service has examples of employees in factories, shops, takeaways and restaurants who are on-call firefighters.

Individuals 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 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 is an inclusive employer and is working towards a workforce which reflects the local community.

Anyone interested should go along to Wellington Fire Station, North Street TA21 8LZ, on Wednesday, April 13, at 6.30pm, and find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.