Devizes firefighters are desperate for more recruits after their numbers fell to just 20.

The on-call firefighters, who have full-time jobs and respond whenever there is a shout, were out in the Market Place to tell people what they do and how they do it.

Crew manager Dan Burton, an electrician who works with his father Richard, said they need at least 24 firefighters on call to provide the service to the community.

Numbers fell due to retirement and members moving away from the area.

He said: “We really are desperate. We need a minimum of four firefighters for each unit. If we have more than that it would be great as the maximum is six.

“People think we sit around all day waiting to be called out, but most of the fire stations in Wiltshire are manned on an on-call basis.”

This means that each firefighter is paid a retainer to be on call any time there is an emergency. They are paid an extra amount for each emergency they attend.

They have to live and work within four minutes of the fire station in Southbroom Road and have permission from their employers to down tools and go off at a moment’s notice.

Mr Burton said: “They also have to be over 18, physically fit, enthusiastic and reliable.”

Men and women can apply. Recruits are given two weeks’ basic training before they can join the crews but it will be six months before they have enough training to be fully fledged firefighters able to attend any situation.

Mr Burton said: “It is great to be part of a team. It’s like an extended family and we give support to any of our colleagues who have bereavements or other personal problems.”

The Devizes station holds its training sessions on Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm. Anyone is welcome to go along and see what is required.

Alternatively, call 01380 731144 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk.