COUNTY: On-call firefighters in Dorset are looking for new recruits to join the crew.

Over the next month fire crews are holding informal recruitment evenings and all day sessions for those interested in becoming an on-call firefighter.

Recruitment evenings are being held at Shaftesbury on September 23 between 7pm-9pm, Wareham on September 30 between 8am-8pm, and Swanage on October 14 from 7pm-9pm.

Nineteen of Dorset’s 26 fire stations are crewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by on-call personnel who live and work nearby.

On-call firefighters provide fire cover for assets such as Guys Marsh Prison, Lulworth Castle, the Dorset Coastline, West Moors petroleum depot, Kingston Lacy, the Poole harbour islands, Compton Abbas Airfield as well as schools and housing stock.

Craig Baker, area commander for Dorset said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in joining the retained fire service to come along and have an informal chat. We are currently looking to recruit individuals who can provide cover in these station areas, in particular during the day.”

Crew members will be on hand to talk to any willing recruits and give them a chance to try out some of the firefighting equipment and kit.

For details on becoming a retained firefighter visit dorsetfire.gov.uk