SALCOMBE Fire Station is calling for on-call firefighters in the town if you live or work within five minutes of the fire station.

Salcombe fire crew are hosting an open evening for prospective on-call firefighters on Monday, May 23, starting at 7pm.

No previous experience of firefighting is necessary for this role – the ideal prospective firefighter starts with a commitment to the community, a positive attitude and a good level of fitness.

This is an opportunity for men and women who live and/or work within five minutes response time to the fire station to potentially save lives in fire, flood and road traffic emergencies. Being on-call means that you provide a level of cover whilst at work or at home and when you are needed your pager will alert you to attend the station.

People who can give cover during the day are particularly needed. Many people have primary occupations whilst on-call - either employed or self-employed, the service has examples of employees in factories, shops, takeaways and restaurants who are on-call firefighters.

You need to be aged over 18 and have a good level of fitness and strength, but sometimes people overestimate the levels required and this can deter them, particularly women, from applying.

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will give people advice and help in preparing for both the written and practical assessments. Equally living with a disability is not automatically a barrier to operational firefighting; it depends on the nature of the disability. Once you are recruited full training is provided.

KSFRS are an inclusive employer and are working towards a workforce which reflects the local community , so if you are interested, go along to Salcombe Fire Station, Gould Road, TQ8 8DU, on Monday, May 23, at 7pm and find out what it means to be an on-call firefighter.