DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is urgently seeking to recruit on call retained firefighters from Chagford.

No previous experience of fire fighting 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 or work within five minutes' response time to Chagford Fire Station to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies. Being on-call means that 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 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.

Applicants 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 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 fire fighting, it depends on the nature of the disability. Full training is provided to new recruits.

The fire station will be open on Monday, August 19 between 6pm and 7pm for prospective on-call firefighters to find out more.