'Enjoy the countryside safely this summer' urges on-call firefighter

As temperatures are set to increase across Staffordshire, an on-call firefighter is urging people to 'enjoy the countryside safely this summer'.

On-call firefighters support many communities across Staffordshire, including those in rural areas, and Ben Wyatt has shared an insight into the demand they experience during periods of warm weather.

Ben has been an on-call firefighter at Longnor Community Fire Station, on Buxton Road, for around three years and has attended a huge range of incidents, including road traffic collisions, house fires and outdoor fires.

He said: "The area that we cover at Longnor is very rural, so we're coming up for our busiest time of year as we often see an increase in outdoor fires as the weather warms up.

"The biggest fire risks in this area are disposable barbeques, campfires and discarded cigarettes."

In one incident that Ben attended, a discarded cigarette caught fire, spread and caused damage to foliage.

In another incident, sunlight had reflected off a bottle of water left in the countryside and caused a small fire.

Ben said: "People should always dispose of cigarettes properly, take all rubbish home or put it in a bin, and avoid having barbeques or open fires in the countryside.”

Although most people don't visit outdoor spaces with the intention to set a fire, there are a small number who deliberately choose to do this.

Speaking about the potential consequences, Ben said: "By setting deliberate fires, you're not only putting your life at risk but could also face criminal prosecution."

Prior to becoming an on-call firefighter, Ben worked as a company director for around three decades. Now he's encouraging others to consider the on-call role and to come forward to protect and support their local community.

On-call firefighters are paid to be on-call and to attend incidents from home or work, rather than waiting for a call at the fire station. 

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue are currently looking to grow their on-call crew at Longnor Community Fire Station, as well as at other on-call stations across the county. 

Anyone over the age of 18, who lives or works close to an on-call station can submit an expression of interest to join as an on-call firefighter.

All applicants will go through the same training process as full-time firefighters.

Speaking about his experience, Ben said: "I absolutely love my role as an on-call firefighter, everything from fire prevention and community work to the training and attending incidents.

"It's great to get out and about after having a desk-based job for so long and I'd recommend it to anyone.

"If you want to be part of a supportive team and challenge yourself, I'd say just apply!"

For more information and to submit your expression of interest, visit Staffordshire Fire and Rescue's website here.