FIVE new on-call firefighters have been welcomed into Essex County Fire and Rescue Service after completing their basic training course at the Service’s training centre in Witham.

The new recruits all live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station and will respond to incidents when paged.

The team completed their two-week intensive training course on Friday and will continue their training at their home stations. 

They will be heading to fire stations in Old Harlow, Saffron Walden, Witham and Tollesbury, near Maldon.

Firefighter Matt James is heading to Witham Fire Station after seeing a recruitment banner for on-call firefighters outside the fire station.

As an electrical engineer able to work from home, Matt will be providing fire cover in Witham during the day and evenings.

He said: “I was driving past the fire station and saw the banner encouraging people to apply.

“I thought it was something good to do to give back to others. Having the training course at Witham Fire Station has been great as it’s been a 7 minute walk here each day.”

Meanwhile, brothers George and Max Curtis are heading to Saffron Walden Fire Station where they’re following in the footsteps of their dad Paul and uncle Mark as firefighters in their community.

A spokesman added: “More than three quarters of fire stations in Essex are staffed by on-call firefighters.

“They all live or work within five minutes of the fire station and are paged when there is an incident.

“This means they can go about their daily business working or spending time in their community while helping to keep the fire station available when needed. 

“As well as responding to incidents, on-call firefighters also carry out home fire safety visits, attend community events and visit community hubs like schools and care homes to give safety advice. 

“If you live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be paid to protect your community as an on-call firefighter.

“Find out more by searching ‘Join Essex Fire’.”