Lancashire firefighters plan women recruitment drive

9:26am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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Lancashire firefighters are planning a demonstration this week as part of a drive to encourage more women to join the fire service.

Currently just two percent of firefighters in the Preston-based Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are women, bosses said.

Now Lancashire’s chief fire officer, Peter Hallond, wants to inspire more women to sign up and is holding a demonstration on Friday in a bid to get them to come forward.

He said: “Simply, we know that there are women who would make exceptionally capable firefighters who aren’t at present considering it as a career, perhaps because of a lack of awareness or a misunderstanding about what the work entails.

“Though they are missing out on an outstanding career option, we are missing out on the ability they could bring to the role.”

Firefighters at Euxton’s Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Training Centre, Washington Road, near Chorley, will show how they deal with house fires, traffic accidents and industrial fires.

Anyone who wants to attend one of the two demonstrations should call 01772 866845 beforehand.

There will be morning session from 10am to noon, and an afternoon session between 1pm and 3pm.