AN URGENT appeal for volunteer firefighters was issued by Okehampton's fire chief this week, following a recent sudden drop in crew numbers.

Station officer Ian Donovan said despite the station's best efforts, he has so far been unable to attract volunteers to bring the numbers up to a reasonable level.

Mr Donovan said: 'We've been trying desperately to get recruits. Unfortunately, we've had some recent retirements from people who have done a long time with the service. We also had a person who emigrated, and it's brought us down to a lower number.

'The difficulty is getting people who can be on duty during working days — that's the real problem.'

Mr Donovan said Okehampton now has 14 retained firefighters — but there is capacity for up to 24.

Ideally, he would like to recruit at least another four to six members, male or female, to reduce the workload on the present team.

'We have to man the appliances 24 hours a day, seven days a week and with present numbers, that doesn't allow people any free time,' said Mr Donovan.

'It puts on added strain and enough additional people would alleviate that pressure.

'It's not for want of trying, we have tried all sorts of things to get people, but there's a reluctance by employers in this area to allow people off during the day.'

Mr Donovan said the staffing problem was more acute for Okehampton, as unusually, they ran two appliances — many stations only had one.

With such a skeleton staff this could cause problems — last week, for instance, one firefighter was on sick leave.

He said: 'We are managing, we are a strong station, but it doesn't take a genius to work out the numbers and it really is a strain on people.'

Mr Donovan would like to hear from anyone in Okehampton, aged between 18 and 45, who feels they would enjoy working for the retained fire crew.

'It's a big commitment, but there are lots of things I would never have been able to do if I hadn't joined the fire service. Once people do join, they really enjoy it and some stay for a very long time.'

Anyone interested is welcome to come along to Okehampton Fire Station on Monday evenings, which are drill nights, between 7pm and 9pm. Alternatively, telephone the station on 01837 52293.