Community stations in St Ives and Hayle are opening their doors for recruitment evenings when anyone interested can find out how to apply and what’s required to be an on-call firefighter. Current personnel will also be on hand to give insights into life as an on-call crew member.

Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service is responsible for a wide range of services that help make Cornwall safer. Its remit is delivered through a range of prevention, protection and response services and its work includes everything from fighting fires and rescuing people, to attending road traffic collisions and promoting community safety within local schools and to the wider community.

If you're interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, pop along to St Ives Fire Station on Monday, February 27 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm or Hayle Emergency Services Community Station the next evening, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

You need to live or work within the proximity of the fire station, so that you can respond to emergencies quickly - you need to be able to get there within four minutes of a call and be flexible in your work.

Station manager Dave Carlisle said: “On call firefighters respond to emergencies primarily in their town and surrounding area but may also be called upon to support larger incidents throughout Cornwall. Being an on call firefighter is a rewarding role and will make you part of a team that truly supports your community. So don’t be ordinary, be extraordinary and become an on call firefighter.”

Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown added: “The rewards of being a volunteer in your community are great and as a retained fire fighter give you the opportunity to make a real difference and save lives in so many ways.”