Women encouraged to sign up for firefighter ‘have a go’ event

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering a ‘have a go’ event in Swindon this month for women interested in becoming an on-call firefighter.

Stations across the Service area are recruiting for new on-call firefighters, and the aim of this event is to encourage more women to apply.

Station Manager Neil Tidball, On-Call Development Manager, said: “Traditionally, it’s always been difficult to recruit women into the fire service, as there’s still a perception that firefighters have to be big, strong men with superhero fitness. While those sorts of applicants are of course welcome, the role of a firefighter is so varied, there’s a place for people from across all parts of the community.

“While a good level of fitness is needed, we also need people with common sense, the ability to work as a team, and who live or work near an on-call fire station. This targeted event will hopefully attract women to come along, have a go at some of the selection tests, and find out more about being an on-call firefighter.”

Two sessions will be held at Swindon fire station on Saturday 26 February, with just 16 places per session. Each will feature six activities, and the chance to chat with existing firefighters from the on-call recruitment team.

The morning session has its registration at 9.30am before running between 10am and 12noon, while the afternoon session has its registration at 1.30pm before running between 2pm and 4pm.

To book a place, members of the public can call the recruitment hotline on 01722 691444 and provide the following details:

• full name
• contact phone number
• email address
• confirmation that you are 18 or over
• which session you wish to attend

Places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and will be confirmed via email on or before Monday 21 February.

Further ‘have a go’ events will be held across the DWFRS area during the year, and individuals can follow @DWFireRescue on social media for further details as they are confirmed.

More information about being an on-call firefighter can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters