A CALL has gone out to recruit more retained firefighters in the county.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service said that 60 percent of firefighters in the counties are ordinary people who are on call to drop everything and come to the service of their communities in an emergency.

On-call firefighters are part-time staff who make themselves available for emergency call-outs depending on their other commitments.

They are usually contracted for between 48 and 120 hours per week, but this can vary. Between them, each fire station team will provide cover for weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends.

There are 50 fire stations throughout the two counties with the majority crewed by on-call firefighters who work alongside full-time firefighters.

On-call firefighters may be employed, self-employed, parents at home or students. Some work in building or allied trades, whilst others are shop assistants, farmers, typists, factory workers or managers.

What they all have in common is self-reliance, confidence, respect, enthusiasm, team spirit and a willingness to be ready for anything when they are alerted to an emergency. On-call firefighters are expected to meet the same entry standards and achieve the same level of training as their full-time colleagues.

To join you must be 18 years old, be able to get to the fire station within five minutes and be physically fit. You will also need your employer's consent and have the right to work in the UK. For details: 01722 691444 or email recruitment@dwfire.org.uk