WALNEY firefighters were called out to reports of a ship on fire.

A member of the public saw the fire from Ramsden Dock Road in Barrow and reported it to the emergency services believing a ship was on fire in Walney Channel.

On arrival, just before 12.30pm today, firefighters discovered the 'ship fire' was in fact a pile of discarded rubbish which was burning close to Avon Street allotments on Walney. The fire was extinguished and firefighters returned to the station.

Walney's fire station is manned by a team of seven on-call firefighters, with most also having other full-time jobs. The crew is keen to recruit new members - for more information call 01229 407945.

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.

ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS: EVERYTHING 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.