A RECRUITMENT campaign to encourage people in Chagford to consider becoming volunteer firefighters has been launched to meet a desperate shortage of volunteers.

Assistant divisional officer Adj Tilke, the retained liaison officer for Devon and Cornwall Fire Service, says the situation is reaching a 'critical state', particularly during the working day, when there are barely enough officers available to operate the fire engine, if it is called out.

He said the situation was particularly crucial because Chagford was also a co-responder station, which could deal with medical emergencies in conjunction with the Westcountry Ambulance Trust.

Assistant divisional officer Tilke said: 'The fire service can supply everything; the equipment, the station, but the firefighters have to come from the community.'

Posters have been put up around Chagford to try to encourage more people to come forward.

Assistant divisional officer Tilke said the service was also keen to increase the number of women in its ranks: 'We are sure there are a number of women who would be eligible to join the local fire station. Firefighting used to involve a lot of heavy equipment, now we are a lot more technical, and we hope more women may think about coming forward,' he said.

Assistant divisional officer Tilke said volunteers had to be over 18, reasonably fit, and live or work close to Chagford, and preferably available during the working day.

If anyone would like to find out more about joining the service they are asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Fire and Rescue headquarters on 01392 872331. Alternatively, potential volunteers can head along to the station on drill night, every Wednesday, from 7pm, to find out more about what is involved.