This summer has seen the number of field and machinery fires sky rocket on farms across the south west.

Fire services throughout the region have had to mobilise to scores of shouts daily.

They are calling out for more on-call firefighters to join them.

There are opportunities across Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire for anyone who could provide availability during the week and/or at weekends, with flexible contracts on offer for those who work shift systems or have childcare responsibilities.

On-call firefighters live and/or work within the local community, and are expected to respond to emergencies during whatever periods of cover have been agreed.

When the pager goes off, a firefighter can be called to a wide range of incidents, such as commercial and domestic fires, road traffic collisions, rescues from height or water, animal rescue or flooding.

Group manager Wayne Jones said: “The role of a firefighter is very rewarding, and it requires determination, motivation, and a genuine desire to serve the community.

"Successful candidates will become part of a well-trained workforce, earning additional income, and gaining transferable skills such as first aid, driving qualifications and health and safety knowledge – which can also benefit them in their primary employment.”

Applicants don’t need to have any previous firefighting experience or be a weightlifting champion, just the passion to protect and help your community, with a good level of fitness.

They do need to live or work no more than five minutes from their nearest station and they must be at least 18-years-old - although there is no maximum age limit.

Call-outs vary across stations - some stations respond to more than 800 a year, others less than 50.

On average, on-call firefighters are paged two-three times a week for a couple of hours at a time, during the day, evenings and weekends.

If you’re interested in applying to be an on-call firefighter in Dorset or Wiltshire – or you’re a local employer with staff who may want to offer availability – visit dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters, email oncallsupportofficers@dwfire.org.uk or leave a message on the 24-hour recruitment line, 01722 691444.

If you live in Devon or Somerset, visit dsfire.gov.uk/careers/on-call-firefighters or email oncallrecruitment@dsfire.gov.uk.