A TASTER day was held at Wallingford Fire Station for residents to “come and have a go”.

Fire crews offered people of all ages an opportunity to experience what it takes to be a firefighter or a member of the fire prevention team at the base in Station Road.

Herald Series: The station's fiery mascot (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)The station's fiery mascot (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)

Participants were able to ask questions to those already in the service and youngsters were given a “fiery welcome” courtesy of the fire service’s dragon mascot.

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Herald Series: Residents learning how to use the hose (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)Residents learning how to use the hose (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)

The team explained how the recruitment process works, how long it takes and what it is like being a firefighter, both whole-time, and on-call.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service wants to have a diverse team of firefighters, reflecting gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity and are currently recruiting in the town.

Herald Series: Residents learning how to use the hose (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)Residents learning how to use the hose (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)

A spokesperson said: “On-call firefighters are everyday people with normal jobs and hobbies. They have flexibility to drop everything at a moment’s notice when they get an emergency call.

“The recruitment campaign is designed to enhance community relationships, break down barriers and deliver the right service and advice at the right time, with the right outcome.

Herald Series: The Fire Fighters Charity serving guests at the fun day (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)The Fire Fighters Charity serving guests at the fun day (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)

“Ideally on-call firefighters should live within five minutes of the nearest fire station, but anyone further afield is encouraged to get in contact.

“The on-call workforce consists of individuals who provide variable levels of cover, to suit their work and personal lives.”

Herald Series: Some of the volunteer fire fighters (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)Some of the volunteer fire fighters (Credit: Wallingford Fire Station)

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For more information, or to apply, visit Oxfordshire County Council’s website or email fire.recruitment@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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