ARDROSSAN Fire Station is calling for people from all walks of life to serve at the very heart of their community as a retained firefighter.

A number of vacancies exist for on-call firefighters and an open night is being held to allow potential recruits and their families an opportunity to find out more.

Retained firefighters will be on hand at Ardrossan Fire Station from 6.30-8.30pm on Tuesday, June 27 to answer questions and provide an insight into the role.

Station Manager Jim Anderson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to become a part of our fire service family, working as part of a close-knit team to protect our community.

“We are particularly keen to hear from those who can make themselves available between 8am and 6pm. This could be shift workers or those who, with the support of their employer, can be released to assist the public at times of emergency.”

It is essential that potential recruits are able to respond to the fire station – from home and/or their place of work – within five minutes of being alerted. The standard contract requires personnel to be available for, on average, 120 hours cover per week, although in some circumstances a 90-hour contract can be available.

Watch Manager Grant Colman told how family support is crucial.

He said: “It’s a rewarding role but the commitment required means it’s important to have the support of your family.

“The pager can go at any time, so it’s essential you are able to stop what you may be doing and immediately make your way to the fire station.”

Crew Manager Stephen Park added: “Our open night is a great chance for people to speak directly with those who do the job. They can also have a look at the equipment we use.

“Fire cover across Ayrshire is largely provided by retained crews. Ensuring this can be maintained requires applicants to be supported by not only their family but also their primary employer.

“Being a retained f i refighter is both challenging and rewarding - and you’ll learn a host of new skills.”

Ardrossan’s retained firefighters work alongside the station’s wholetime crew and can attend road traffic collisions, flooding, water rescues and chemical incidents as well as fires.

Applicants should also be over 18 years of age, physically fit and in good health with good unaided vision and colour perception.

RDS firefighters are paid an annual retainer fee plus additional payments for every incident attended as well as training nights, fire safety activities and training courses.

Successful candidates are initially required to attend a twoweek course, after which they attend the station’s training evenings on a Tuesday evening before going on to complete a further two-week course in the wearing of Breathing Apparatus.

To find out more, go along to Ardrossan Fire Station this Tuesday evening from 6.30-8.30pm or visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk and search ‘Retained Firefighter Ayrshire’ where information can be found on vacancies at stations across the region.