Totnes Fire Station is holding a 'Have a Go Day' - could you be a firefighter?

If you're interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, and live or work within five minutes of your local fire station, you can come to one of our 'Have a Go Days' to find out more.

Totnes Fire Station is holding a Have a Go Day for anyone interesting in becoming an on-call firefighter - you can apply for an invitation on their website. 

A spokesperson for Totnes Fire Station said: "Most sessions are in the mornings and last around three hours. You will need trainers and comfortable clothes.

"There will be an initial introduction and information about the role. You will then wear personal protective equipment before having a go at a breathing apparatus guideline exercise. You can also have a look around the fire engine and speak to on-call firefighters to gain an overview of the role.

"There will also be a fitness workshop where you can get hands-on with some of the equipment to gain a better understanding of the strength and fitness expectations.

"To book a Have a Go session, fill out our express your interest form to show you are considering becoming an on-call firefighter, and you will be invited to one of the Have a Go sessions."

Eligibility criteria

You must:

• Live or work no more than five minutes from your nearest station.
• Be at least 18 years old at the start of employment, but you can apply before then. There is no maximum age limit for applications.
• Have the right to work in the UK at the commencement of employment.
• Have good eyesight to carry out your role safely. If you’re unsure that you meet the visual standards, you can book an appointment with your optician, using this visual standards checklist. As part of the application process, you’ll do a LogMAR test which assesses visual performance in low contrast conditions.
• Have a good level of strength and fitness.
• Be confident in water. You will be expected to complete a course in an open river as part of your firefighter development programme.
• Have a good grasp of maths and English. If you cannot evidence having GCSE’s or equivalent in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above, we will require you to take two online tests as part of the application process.
• Having a full UK driving licence is desirable, but not essential if you can meet the five-minute response time on foot or by cycle. There will also be the requirement to attend training courses across the service.
• Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a firefighter, it will depend on the type of conviction and when the offence took place. You are required to declare any convictions for offences that are not spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This includes any offences dealt with by a court of law, HM Services disciplinary procedures and any driving offences.