PICKERING fire station is continuing its appeal to encourage more people to become retained firefighters in the town.

Two recruitment days have seen a number of inquiries from local people expressing an interest, however, watch manager Stuart Moss said the station was still actively recruiting.

“Each retained fire station should have 12 to 15 on-call firefighters, but Pickering is three members down,” he said.

“We had several inquiries, with three people taking application packs after expressing serious interest however, we are continuing to appeal for more to get involved.”

Retained firefighters must be over 18 and be located within one mile, about four minutes, of the fire station. Crew members are also required to attend a two-hour drill night every week, along with training courses. Payment is made for various aspects of work.

“Retained fire stations are a vital part of today’s Fire and Rescue Service, providing professional, cost effective and reliable fire and rescue cover to about 60 per cent of the UK,” Stuart said.

“A minimum number of four firefighters provide cover at any one time, thus providing flexibility throughout the work force for time-off duty.”

Stuart said a retained firefighter attended the same type of incidents and training as a full-time crew member, but on an on-call basis.

He said: “Retained firefighters respond from home, social activities or their work via an alerter system, and form part of a team to deal with emergencies.

“The potential rewards for becoming a retained firefighter include receiving the same training as a full-time firefighter, first aid and health and safety training and a LGV licence.

“There is also immense job satisfaction and effective team working and comradeship, as well as giving something back to your local community.”

Anyone who would like more information is welcome to call in to Pickering fire station on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

For more information, phone 01609 780150 or go to northyorksfire.gov.uk