Wildfires spark plea for more on-call firefighters

Dorset and Wiltshire firefighters tackled a series of wildfires during the summer

A fire service has appealed for people to become on-call firefighters following a series of wildfires and major incidents.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said 46 out of its 50 stations were currently recruiting crew members who respond to incidents when needed.

The service was involved in fighting a number of wildfires during the summer. The biggest, at Holt Heath in Dorset, required hundreds of firefighters, with many drafted in from other services across the country.

Potential firefighters need to be able to be available on-call for a minimum of 40 on-call hours per week, which can be done alongside their normal job.

DWFRS area manager Brad Stevens said the paid roles would suit individuals who "like a new challenge, enjoy supporting the community and like to keep active".

He added that having firefighters available to respond to a pager call "helps to ensure the best availability of resources and equipment" across the service.

A major incident was declared due to the size of the blaze at Holt Heath, near Wimborne, which broke out on 9 August.

More than 100 firefighters from across the south of England were initially involved in tackling the blaze, which burned for almost a week. They were later backed up by crews from as far as Essex and Merseyside.

It was one of a number of heath fires DWFRS tackled during the spring and summer, many of which were started deliberately.