Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CRFS) is recruiting on-call firefighters, and asking, are you up to the challenge?

The service is looking for people who want an "extraordinary career" and who live or work close to their local community fire station. There are currently over 400 on-call firefighters in Cornwall who are on standby providing 24hr round the clock cover, ready to respond to fires, road traffic collisions, flooding or any other emergency situations.

During recent extreme weather, on-call crews from stations all around the Cornwall have given vital assistance to their local communities affected by flooding, fallen trees, electrical cables down, as well as dangerous structures and debris caused by the wind and rain.

Station Manager Kath Billing says: “I was an on-call firefighter for about two years when I served at Redruth Community Fire Station and it is the most exciting and challenging thing that I have ever done – it’s just so rewarding. Anybody can apply to be an on-call firefighter – whether you’re a plumber, student, housewife, receptionist, travel, fitness professional – anything at all. If you’re able to commit to having a balance between what you do and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, then it’s certainly a job that you can do. If you fancy a challenge – basically, it will change your life, but ultimately through changing your life you’re hopefully going to change the lives of the people you respond to, so why not give it a go!”

In addition to the weekly ‘drill night’ training sessions, on-call firefighters are called out on average two to three times a week for around an hour at a time.

“On-call firefighters play a vital role within Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, as they provide both an emergency response and bring strong community ties that help us understand the needs of the communities we serve,” said Chief Fire Officer, Des Tidbury.

CFRS is keen to receive applications from people all over Cornwall interested in developing a second career with the fire service, and especially those that are able to respond during the day.

CFRS is currently recruiting at 11 stations and some are holding open evenings in the coming weeks so you can come and see us for yourself.

• Launceston

• Liskeard

• Looe

• Lostwithiel

• Falmouth

• Fowey

• Helston 

• Polruan

• St Columb

• St Just

• Torpoint

• Camborne, Pool, Redruth

There is no age limit to becoming an on-call firefighter (although you must be at least 17 ½ years’ old to apply), you just need to be physically fit and live or work very close to your Community Fire Station (you need to get to the station within four minutes of an alerter-call).

If you are interested, you can: Visit  www.cornwall.gov.uk/firecareers. Call 01872 323800. Email firecareers@cornwall.gov.uk, or drop in to your local fire station on their drill night.