Kent Fire and Rescue Service has opened on-call firefighter recruitment for nine of its stations - so if you’ve ever wanted to be a firefighter this could be your chance!

As part of the role, you’ll attend incidents in your community and weekly drill nights at your on-call base, as well as taking part in practical training exercises at key sites of interest. 

The on-call crew at Charing recently did just that at Leeds Castle, where the practiced plans and procedures for how to respond effectively to a fire at the historically significant site.

Stephen has been an on-call firefighter at Charing for more than two years and attended the exercise at the castle on 26 September. 

He said: “It was really interesting; I haven’t been to Leeds Castle for several years and never thought I’d be coming back here as a firefighter. It’s a fantastic historic building and to practice our plans to protect the castle is great. It was a good learning experience.”

Stephen says he wishes he had become an on-call firefighter sooner:

”I find the job very enjoyable, but I underestimated what a technical job it is. It’s not just turning up and spraying water on a fire, there’s a lot more to it than that.

“You think you have an idea of what crews do, but nothing can really prepare you until you’re doing it. It’s really fulfilling, and I love what I do.

“If you’re thinking about applying to be an on-call firefighter in Kent, just go for it! It’s fantastic and rewarding.” 

KFRS Group Manager James Kirk said: “We’re looking for people who want to make a real difference in their community and help their neighbours in times of need. 

"This role offers flexibility to fit alongside full-time work and around family and social lives, with a set number of hours a week that can be used during the daytime, evening, and weekends. 

"On-call firefighters are notified of a call via a personal pager, which they carry with them when they are on duty so they do not need to be based at the fire station full time. If a call comes in during their hours of availability, they must reach the fire station five minutes of receiving the pager message. 

"Aswell as this being a rewarding opportunity to give back to your community, being part of KFRS, you’ll enjoy benefits including generous annual leave, flexible working, Blue Light Card discounts, enhanced family policies, and pension schemes – all designed to support your health and promote a positive work-life balance." 

 

Come and have a go at a taster session

Applications for the on-call fire stations listed below are now open with a closing date of 3 November. Anyone interested in applying who lives or works within five minutes of a recruiting station, is invited to book a place on a ‘have a go’ taster session taking place on 12 October. 

The nine stations recruiting on-call firefighters are:

• Charing

• Aldington

• Cranbrook

• Hawkhurst

• Tenterden

• Lenham

• Headcorrn

• Marden 

• Larkfield