A NEW recruitment drive has been launched to find additional on-call firefighters to serve communities in Cumbria.

Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is looking for on-call firefighters to join crews at 27 fire stations across the county.

The fire and rescue service is recruiting more than 50 on-call firefighters in total.

Firefighters are needed across Cumbria, including at Walney, Broughton, Coniston, Bootle, Grange and Ambleside.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is looking for men and women from all walks of life and all ages who can work as part of a team and are prepared to commit to the role.

Applicants must be at least 18 when their contract starts and physically and medically fit.

On-call or retained firefighters are ‘on call’ to respond to a range of emergencies. They can still have another job until the call comes, then they become a professional firefighter. Call-out rates and workloads vary across the stations.

To apply people will need to complete an application form, carry out nationally recognised fitness and practical tests, have an interview and a medical check.

A series of taster sessions, providing an opportunity for people to chat to fire crews, find out more about the role of an on-call firefighter and have a go at some of the tests, are being held from 6.30pm on the following dates and the locations;

Today (April 4) - Penrith Community Fire Station

Monday April 10 - Barrow Fire Station

Tuesday April 11 - Workington Fire Station

Wednesday April 12 - Kendal Fire Station

Anyone interested is advised to arrive promptly to get the most out of the session. Potential applicants can find more information about the recruitment process at cumbria.gov.uk/oncallfirefighters

Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock said: “On-call firefighters play a crucial role in our communities and are called upon to attend the full range of incidents, from fires and floods, to road traffic collisions and chemical spills. I would urge people living and working in the areas where we’re recruiting to consider applying to become part of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service team.”

More information is available at cumbria.gov.uk/oncallfirefighters