Plea for part-time firefighters

THE people of Burwash are being asked to consider being fire-fighters as the village celebrates the opening of its new fire station.

The station is retained, meaning that the fire-fighters are not-full-time, but live or work in the area and remain on call through their pager. When they are paged, the fire-fighters are required to leave their home or work immediately and get to the fire station as quickly as possible.

A brigade spokesman said: Changes in lifestyle over the years have meant that it has become more and more difficult to recruit retained staff.

The spokesman added that each fire-fighter is paid a fixed retaining fee for being available, plus money for every call they attend.

Sector Commander for Eastbourne and Wealden Keith Ring added: Fire stations in rural areas rely on retained staff who are highly committed to serving the local community. Traditionally retained fire-fighters were tradesmen who worked in the village, but today they are more likely to be someone with their own business who works from home, or a mother who has family and neighbours nearby who are willing to help out.

This is a chance for the people of Burwash to become part of the newest fire station in the country.

Anybody interested is asked to drop into the station on a Monday evening after 7pm.

Retained staff are also sought for Mayfield and Crowborough.