THE deadline to apply to join a fire crew on Walney is fast approaching. 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has launched a bid to sign up new recruits to serve the retained fire stations across the county, including the one in Mill Lane, Walney. 

Crew manager Simon Morgan says he is looking to recruit up to five new retained firefighters to be on-call to respond to incidents across the Furness area. Retained firefighters would need to live within five minutes of the fire station on Walney. 

Mr Morgan, who has done the job for 12 years, said he was keen to tackle the misconceptions about what it takes to be a firefighter. 

"We have people from all walks of life on Walney - we've got a railways manager, a planner, a couple of lads who work in the yard and a semi-retired soldier," he said. 

"As long as you're motivated and fit enough to pass the entry selection fitness tests, that's all we need."

New recruits will need to undertake a bleep fitness test, basic Maths and English tests, as well as a psychometric assessment. Other tests include checking an individual is comfortable in enclosed spaces and is able to carry some of the equipment used by firefighters. 

On-call firefighters, on average, need to be available from between 80 and 90 hours a week. 

RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What is an on-call firefighter?

An on-call/part-time firefighter is a person who is 'on call' to respond to a range of emergencies. They are doing everyday jobs (for example, shop workers, office workers, mechanics, etc.) until the call comes, then they become professional firefighters. They may be 'part-time', but they are trained and capable people in the front line, saving lives. On-call/part-time firefighters are paid for their services.

How often would I get called?

On average, you could be called out two or three times a week for a couple of hours. Each Station is different and some are busier than others. If you can't be available all of the time it's not a problem. The service is particularly keen to hear from people who are available during weekdays and weekends.

What qualities do I need?

On-call/part-time firefighters come from every walk of life, including shopkeepers, builders, plumbers, farmers, secretaries, engineers and directors of companies together with people who are not currently employed. Previous experience is not required.

What is important is that you are enthusiastic and can meet certain essential requirements. One of these is that you must be able to respond quickly to the fire station after being alerted by the bleeper that Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service provides to all its on-call/part-time firefighter personnel. This can be physically demanding and therefore physical fitness is of utmost importance.

SO YOU THINK YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

The deadline for applications is this Friday, April 29. Contact Barrow fire station on 01229 407945.