DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is holding a ‘have a go’ day at Holsworthy Fire Station on November 2 to give people the chance to see what it is like to be an on-call firefighter.

This is part of a series of have a go days being held by the service.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has a large number of on-call fire stations, the largest number in England. 

These stations are crewed by people who do ordinary jobs every day and yet are skilled firefighters offering daytime, evening or weekend cover. 

The role of a firefighter calls for determination, courage and commitment but most importantly a desire to serve the community in which they live and work.

On-call firefighters have the same training as wholetime firefighters and will when required respond using the latest equipment and techniques, attending a wide range of incidents such as domestic or commercial building fires, road traffic collisions, water or animal rescues, gorse fires or floods.

Many on-call firefighters respond from a place of work with the agreement of their primary employer. The service works in conjunction with many local businesses where staff respond to emergencies when their pagers sound.

If anyone would like to understand more about the role of an on-call firefighter they can book a place at one of the have a go days.

More information about becoming an on-call firefighter is on the website www.dsfire.gov.uk or to attend a have a go day email [email protected] requesting a venue.