People living and working in Bath and the North Somerset area are being invited to give something positive back to the community by becoming part-time firefighters.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is looking to recruit some new Retained Duty System (RDS) firefighters at fire stations in Bath, Blagdon, Chew Magna and Winscombe.
RDS firefighters use the same fire engines and equipment as their ‘Wholetime’ (full-time) colleagues.
The main difference is that RDS firefighters are on call from their homes or workplaces, rather than a fire station.
RDS firefighters need to live or work within five minutes travelling distance of their retained station during their hours of declared availability.
Group Manager Matthew Hunt, Unitary Manager for North Somerset said: “Becoming a retained firefighter is a great opportunity to make a positive impact in your local community.
“There is a great sense of team spirit among the retained firefighters who are a vital part of the Avon Fire & Rescue Service family.
“We particularly need people to help provide cover on weekdays between 9 and 5, but hours can be flexible.
“RDS firefighters agree to be available for a certain number of hours each week, and also need to attend our weekly training nights every Monday.”
Anyone interested in becoming a part time firefighter can come along to any of the open events to find out more.
Current RDS firefighters will be available to provide an insight into the role and recruitment process.
The open events are:
- Saturday 13th February, 10 am to 1pm at Bath Fire Station, Cleveland Bridge BA2 6PU.
- Saturday 20th February, 10am to 2pm at Blagdon Fire Station, Station Road, BS40 7RL.
- Thursday 25th February, 6.30pm to 9pm at Chew Magna Fire Station, Tunbridge Road, BS40 8SX.
- Saturday 27th February, 10am to 2pm at Winscombe Fire Station, Sandford Road, BS25 1JA.
Applicants should be at least 18-years-old when their training starts, and be fit enough to pass a physical test and medical examination.
RDS firefighters are paid an annual fee as well as call-out and attendance fees.
To find out more visit www.avonfire.gov.uk/recruitment-home/retained-firefighter.