North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has recruited 53 new on-call firefighters, a significant increase on previous years as it seeks to strengthen emergency cover across the county.
The latest intake compares with between 32 and 34 recruits in previous years, according to a report presented to the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel.
The increase comes after the importance of on-call firefighters was highlighted during the prolonged Langdale and Fylingdales Moor wildfire, which placed considerable demands on emergency crews.
On-call firefighters, who respond to emergencies alongside their main jobs and family commitments, played a crucial role in tackling the blaze alongside full-time crews and other organisations.
The report praises the “exceptional commitment” shown by on-call personnel during the incident and highlights the importance of continuing to recruit and retain them.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service currently employs 306 full-time firefighters, 339 on-call firefighters, 14 volunteer firefighters and 105 support staff.
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime Jo Coles welcomed the increase in recruitment.
She said: “It’s incredible to see more local people choosing to serve their communities as on-call firefighters.
“Their public service helps to strengthen our fire and rescue service and to ensure residents are being kept safe.
“The response to the Langdale and Fylingdales wildfire showed exactly why our on-call firefighters, as well as other partners like farmers and landowners, are so important.”
Ms Coles said she and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith would continue encouraging employers to support staff who wanted to become on-call firefighters.
She added: “Their dedication demonstrates the vital role they play in keeping York and North Yorkshire safe.
“That’s why Mayor David Skaith and I will continue to encourage employers to support staff who want to become on-call firefighters and why we’re doing everything we can to support the wider welfare of all our firefighters.”
The report also outlines measures to improve staff wellbeing, including occupational health support, mental fitness and resilience workshops, peer support programmes and other initiatives.
It follows an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, which identified improvements in workforce planning, skills development and leadership.
A recent staff survey found that 91 per cent of respondents cared about the future of the service, while 80 per cent said they were proud to work for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Recruitment for on-call firefighters is continuing across the county, with the service encouraging people interested in supporting their communities to consider applying.
Be the first to comment