AN appeal has been made to recruit more on-call firefighters in Fishguard and Goodwick.

The Head of Pembrokeshire County Fire Fighting Command, Steve Bryant was invited to a recent meeting of the town council, where he asked councillors to assist him in raising awareness of the need for retained firefighters.

Fishguard fire station is currently manned by 15 personnel, all of whom have full time primary employment and respond to emergencies when required.

Mr Bryant said: “Under the leadership of David Jones, they are very high performing operational firefighters.

“They give up some evenings and day times to make the fire appliance available 24 hours a day.”

Mr Bryant added that it is a challenge for employers to release their personnel during the working day, but they would like to get as many potential retained firefighters in their system, so there is sufficient cover should someone leave or go off sick.

The mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick, Councillor Mike Lloyd asked what the age and fitness requirements were.

Mr Bryant said: “There are minimum fitness standards that people need to achieve, but please don’t be under the assumption that you need to be an Olympic athlete to apply. It is achievable and we will coach people and help them as much as we can.”

On call firefighters need to live within 10 minutes of the fire station and receive an annual retaining fee of £1,800, plus extra for call outs.

For more information on how to apply visit the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website or call the fire service headquarters on 0370 6060699.