DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is holding a ‘have a go’ day at Holsworthy Fire Station on November 2 to give people the chance to see what it is like to be an on-call firefighter.

This is part of a series of ‘have a go’ days being held by the service.

Holsworthy Fire Station manager Owen Ravenscroft said: “The event will start at 9.30am with a brief presentation about the service and the role of an on-call firefighter. Those attending will then be given fire kit to put on and will have an opportunity to try some firefighter related activities.

“They will also have an opportunity to have a good look around the fire appliances with crew members who already do the job to gain a realistic understanding of what the job entails and its commitments. There is no upper age limit to apply to be an on-call firefighter, however you do need to be fit and one of our fitness advisors will be on hand to talk about the strength and fitness expectations of the role.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has a large number of on-call fire stations, the largest number in England. 

These stations are crewed by people who do ordinary jobs every day and yet are skilled firefighters offering daytime, evening or weekend cover. 

The role of a firefighter calls for determination, courage and commitment but most importantly a desire to serve the community in which they live and work.

Mr Ravenscroft added: “Being an on call firefighter is a great part time job, with many opportunities for learning new skills and experiences. We are particularly encouraging women and those from different cultures and communities to come and give it a go at these events because being a firefighter is about working together as a team and problem solving so the more diverse our crews the better we can help our communities when they need us.”

On-call firefighters have the same training as wholetime firefighters and will when required respond using the latest equipment and techniques, attending a wide range of incidents such as domestic or commercial building fires, road traffic collisions, water or animal rescues, gorse fires or floods.

Many on-call firefighters respond from a place of work with the agreement of their primary employer. The service works in conjunction with many local businesses where staff respond to emergencies when their pagers sound.

If anyone would like to understand more about the role of an on-call firefighter they can book a place at one of the have a go days.

More information about becoming an on-call firefighter is on the website www.dsfire.gov.uk or to attend a have a go day email [email protected] requesting a venue.