Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is holding an open evening on Wednesday 8 December at Grange Fire Station in a bid to recruit more on-call firefighters to the team.

The Fire and Rescue Service is looking for people from all walks of life and ages who can work as part of a team and are prepared to commit to the role. Qualifications aren’t necessary, applicants must be at least 18 when their contract starts and be physically and medically fit.

On-call or retained firefighters are ‘on call’ to respond to a range of emergencies. They can still have another job until the call comes, then they become a professional firefighter.

The event at Grange Fire Station begins at 4.30pm on December 8, and members of the on-call team will be available to discuss the role, how to apply, and the benefits of being an on-call firefighter.

Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer, John Beard, said: “On-call firefighters play a crucial role in our communities and are called upon to attend the full range of incidents, from fires and floods, to road traffic collisions and chemical spills. I would urge people living and working in the local area where to come along to the open evening and find out more about becoming part of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service team.”