FIREFIGHTERS in Blandford are giving residents the chance to have a go at becoming an on-call firefighter at an event taking place next weekend.

Fire crews will be at Blandford Fire Station from 7-9pm on Thursday, July 18, to encourage local people to become on-call firefighters.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) needs new on-call recruits to provide fire cover at locations across Dorset and Wiltshire, but particularly in Blandford.

DWFRS on-call support officer Martin Hoole, who is organising the event, said: “The easiest way to see if being a firefighter is for you is to come along, have a chat with the crew and try your hand at different things.

"There will be opportunity to cut up a car, try on breathing apparatus, climb a ladder and do the national firefighter selection test for carrying equipment.”

"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.”

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.

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

Visit www.dwfire.org.uk/be-one-of-us if you are interested in being an on-call firefighter but can’t attend this event.