Station opens doors to potential on-call firefighters

Swindon fire station is hosting an open day today (Monday 15 May) to encourage local people to become on-call firefighters.

Although the station is crewed 24/7 by whole time firefighters, the number of appliances based in Swindon means that there are also on-call firefighters who make themselves available to respond to a pager when a 999 call is made.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service now needs new on-call recruits to provide fire cover for the town and the surrounding area.

Contracted hours can vary, but on-call personnel usually make themselves available for between 48 and 120 hours per week. Between them, each fire station team will provide cover for weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends.

Potential recruits are invited to visit the fire station in Drove Road, Swindon on Monday 15 May from 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. There is no need to book and the evening, due to run until 9pm, will consist of an overview of the job along with some practical exercises. They will be provided with fire-kit for the evening, but they are advised to wear suitable clothing.

Station Manager Matty Maggs, District Commander for Swindon South, said: “The easiest way to see if being a firefighter is for you is to visit the fire station, have a chat with the crew and try your hand at different things. We’re inviting potential recruits to come along, take a look around, and try out some of the equipment.”

He added: “On-call firefighters receive the same training and development as wholetime colleagues, and we can be called to all manner of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues and flooding. The pay does vary, depending on how much cover you give, but it is fantastically rewarding to be a part of your community and to be in a position to help people.”

In order to be on-call, you will need to be able to respond to the fire station in around five minutes once your pager goes off. This can be from home or work, and employers can benefit from a firefighter’s training – such as first aid, manual handling, a greater understanding of health & safety in the workplace, and enhanced team spirit.

If you are interested in being an on-call firefighter in Swindon but can’t attend this event, you can call into the station on any Monday evening or visit www.dwfire.org.uk/swindon