Residents living close to a Tyneside village are being asked to keep their communities safe – by becoming on-call firefighters.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have today (Tuesday) re-opened their on-call firefighter recruitment process for Chopwell Community Fire Station.

The majority of the Service are currently employed as whole-time firefighters due to the urban nature of the communities they serve.

But their community fire station in Chopwell serves a more rural community and demand for their services is low.

The station in the village has long been staffed by on-call firefighters, rather than those who fill whole-time roles.

Those who perform the role often do it alongside a full-time position, and must live or work within 8 minutes of the fire station so they can respond when required.

On-call firefighters respond to fire and emergency calls in the same way as whole time firefighters, using the same appliances and equipment.

However, with the exception of training sessions and pre-arranged duties, on-call firefighters only attend their fire station when they receive an emergency call.

Today (Tuesday) the Station Manager has called on anyone who wants to help create a safer community here in Tyne and Wear to consider an on-call role at TWFRS.

Station Manager Jon Anderson said, “Our on-call firefighters provide an invaluable service to their community and do fantastic hard work alongside their normal roles.

“Some of our on-call firefighters have gone on to join the Service as whole time firefighters after having their eyes opened to the world of being a firefighter.

“We want people who are flexible and have great communication skills; you need to be passionate and are empathic and hard working.

“Being a firefighter is an incredibly rewarding career and I would encourage those who are close to Chopwell Community Fire Station to apply.”

TWFRS are looking for people over the age of 18 at the start of training who live or work within eight minutes of Chopwell Community Fire Station.

You must be eligible to work in the UK and have flexibility in your home/work life to apply for the role. You will be expected to give your availability of hours you would be prepared to be on call.

TWFRS on-call firefighters come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, ranging from factory workers, retail assistants, business owners, carers, students or stay at home parents.

So whether you are short or tall, male or female, an office worker or a gym fanatic, TWFRS want you to consider applying for an on-call firefighting role.

Applications have opened today and will remain open until Monday 27th March 2023 at 23:59pm.

Full information about how to apply, and what the training and job will involve, can be found on the TWFRS website.