WILTSHIRE Fire & Rescue Service needs more on-call firefighters to give cover through Cricklade and the surrounding villages.

A special recruitment event, where people can find out more about the work, will take place on Tuesday, May 26, from 6-9pm.

Station manager Scott Taylor said: “The easiest way to see if being a firefighter is for you is to visit the fire station, have a chat with the crew and try your hand at different things.

“With the open evening, we’re inviting potential recruits to take a look around, and try out some of the equipment.”

On-call firefighters make themselves available to respond to a pager when a 999 call is made, and cover is needed at all times.

Contracted hours can vary, but on-call personnel usually make themselves available for between 48 and 120 hours per week.

Between them, each fire station team will provide cover for weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends.

He said: “On-call firefighters receive the same training and development as whole-time colleagues, and we can be called to all manner of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues and flooding.

“The pay does vary, depending on how much cover you give, but it is fantastically rewarding to be a part of your community and to be in a position to help people.”

In order to be on-call, you will need to be able to respond to the fire station in around five minutes once your pager goes off.

This can be from home or work, and employers can benefit from a firefighter’s training such as first aid, manual handling, a greater understanding of health & safety in the workplace, and enhanced team spirit.

If you are interested in being a firefighter in Cricklade but can’t attend the open evening, visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/workingforus