FIRE chiefs are appealing for men and women to do their bit for the community by becoming retained firefighters.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue are keen on attracting part-time officers in Darwen, which currently has 13 retained firefighters.

Attending 200 incidents already this year, the town's retained crews are seen as vital to the long-term safety of residents in the town.

Sub-officer Kevin Birtwell, who has spent 21 years in the service, said: "We do need more retained firefighters and the problem is that employers are less likely these days to let people leave their job for the day to come and join us.

"We are struggling to get people to cover daytime shifts. In an ideal world we would have enough retained crews to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week but there is a shortfall at the moment.

"We probably cover 16 hours of the day at the moment because we just don't have the manpower."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are now appealing for men and women to consider part-time community firefighting to boost the numbers.

Retained firefighters work an average of 80-120 hours each week, alongside their main full-time jobs.

A four-week training programme ensures that people receive two weeks of basic training, as well as two weeks on how to use breathing apparatus, crucial for firefighters in life threatening situations.

Full-time firefighters undergo a 12-week course and, unlike their retained counterparts, are available at anytime of the day.

Mr Birtwell continued: "The retained crew at Darwen have attended a wide range of calls and have been to around 220 incidents so far this year from fires on the moors to house fires. It's a very varied job."

On duty crew members carry pagers and are called to the station when they are needed and the crew undergoes intense training every Tuesday night to keep up to date on the latest techniques of firefighting and to practice emergency scenarios.

Mick Holmes, assistant divisional officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue, said: "We are facing a shortage of retained firefighters across East Lancashire, especially in Darwen, Great Harwood, Clitheroe, Hyndburn and Longridge.

"People come in and out of the service because they have full-time jobs and some may have family commitments and that takes precedence. We are looking for 30 more people to give us good day cover."

Anyone interested in becoming a retained firefighter should contact 01254 356980 for an application form or attend Darwen Fire Station on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Retained firefighters receive a fee of up to £1,881 per annum.

Prospective candidates must be 18 or over, able to reach the fire station in five minutes and physically fit. Part-time firefighters are also needed in Great Harwood, Clitheroe, Hyndburn and Longridge.