Record numbers apply to service after heath blaze
BBCA fire service has received a record number of applications to be on-call officers since a major nature reserve blaze captured national attention in the summer.
A major incident was declared at Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast in July as fire devastated the dry, National Trust heathland.
The latest county fire service campaign has seen the number of applicants reach 219 - more than double the 70-100 the service said it would typically receive across all six annual appeals.
Jon Lacey, chief fire officer, said it was "an exceptional result... it demonstrates the strong community spirit that exists across Suffolk".
Large parts of Dunwich Heath and some of neighbouring RSPB Minsmere, where the fire started, were destroyed and it took the fire service nearly two weeks to stand crews down.
On-call, or retained, firefighters get paid to work for the fire service alongside their day jobs.
Martyn Hazelwood, recruitment and retention manager, said: "We're delighted with the response to the campaign and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to apply or register their interest.
"We are currently working with applicants to understand the availability they can offer before inviting suitable candidates to meet their local watch managers and learn more about the role."
Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for the Fire Service, said: "Becoming an on-call firefighter is a unique opportunity to serve your community, develop new skills and make a real difference.
"I would like to thank everyone who has expressed an interest in the role and wish them well as they move through the recruitment process."
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