Hundreds of people have applied to be a firefighter as the region’s largest Fire and Rescue Service today revealed their recruitment window will close in just two days.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) opened their wholetime firefighter recruitment process back in February and hundreds of people have applied in the past six weeks.

The latest push to recruit new firefighters is part of a recruitment drive that has already seen the Service recruit more than 100 new firefighters in the last two years.

That was despite the challenges of the pandemic and TWFRS have confirmed hundreds more will join in the coming years – changing the face of firefighting in Tyne and Wear.

But now they are making one last call for those interested in a career with the Service as they reveal applications will close on Sunday evening – and will likely not re-open until next year.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther said “Our firefighters go above and beyond every single day to save life and keep vulnerable residents in Tyne and Wear from harm’s way.

“This is an opportunity to begin a career that is like no other – everything you do will help contribute to making Tyne and Wear a safer place to live.

“Every day is different and you will have opportunities to meet new people, visit new places and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Regardless of your age, gender, race, religion or sexuality, there is a home for you here at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.”

New recruits start off with a 12 week training course at TWFRS’s training centre in Washington before being posted to their stations and watches around the region.

Alongside fighting fires and freeing people from trapped cars, TWFRS firefighters interact with the community and provide advice and guidance on how to stay safe and home or at work.

The career offers a competitive starting salary that rises to £32,000 after three years, as well as great benefits like an attractive holiday package, competitive pension, healthcare, access to a range of social and volunteering opportunities and much more.

Applications remain open until Sunday March 20th 2022 at 11:59pm.

Full information about how to apply, and what the training and job will involve, can be found on the TWFRS website at https://www.twfire.gov.uk/work-for-us/our-roles/apply-to-be-a-firefighter/.