Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is now recruiting on-call firefighters at 26 stations across the Duchy.

Cornwall’s on-call firefighters come from all walks of life. They include homemakers, shopkeepers, builders, farmers, office workers and directors of companies, as well as people who are not in work.

When the call comes, they drop everything and are trained to deal with a range of emergencies such as rescues, floods, crashes and chemical spills.

Applicants must be 18 or above and will need to apply for a station that is five minutes from where they live or work. There is no upper age limit.

Pay for on-call firefighters varies depending on the individual’s availability and the station's activity rate. They receive additional pay for training nights and courses.

The role may include some community work as well as attending incidents (Image: Em Alexander) Kathryn Billing, Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our on-call firefighters make-up 75% of our crews across Cornwall and they play such an important role in keeping our communities safe and dealing with all types of incidents.

“I would encourage people who may not have considered a role in the service before to see what the job involves. We’re looking for people across Cornwall who are ready for a new challenge.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder responsible for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service at Cornwall Council, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our on-call firefighters for their commitment and dedication.

“They do a fantastic job and are a vital part of the service.”

How to become a firefighter in Cornwall

Applications are open for the following stations:

West Cornwall

  • Penzance
  • St Just
  • St Ives
  • Hayle
  • Falmouth
  • St Keverne
  • Mullion

Mid Cornwall

  • Perranporth
  • Truro
  • Mevagissey
  • Newquay
  • St Austell
  • St Dennis
  • Fowey
  • Lostwithiel

East Cornwall

  • Padstow
  • Wadebridge
  • Polruan
  • Bodmin
  • Delabole
  • Launceston
  • Liskeard
  • Looe
  • Saltash
  • Torpoint
  • Callington

You can find out more about the role and the application process on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service website.