A FIRE chief has called for businessmen to be more open minded so the service can recruit the extra part time firefighters needed.

Bucks Fire and Rescue Service has issued a plea to the commercial community to enable more workers to take up blaze battling duties.

A number of fire stations in Bucks are seeking out retained firemen, who have 'day jobs' and live within a mile of the station, responding to emergency calls when necessary.

Convincing employers to allow their staff to take on the duties is generally the hardest hurdle to overcome, the fire service said.

Cookham Fire Station, which was run purely by part timers, had to close two years ago because it could not find enough people willing to get involved.

Whilst the situation is nowhere near as bad in south Bucks, Stokenchurch has been particularly hard to recruit for.

High Wycombe Fire Station Commander Danny Whitelock said about four more retained firefighters are needed at Stokenchurch and another three or four in High Wycombe.

The service has also been looking to recruit another three for Marlow.

Mr Whitelock said: “We are not looking to take people's staff or upset other people's organisations. We want to work hand in hand with them and the community.”

He said the issue of people's day jobs always proves the hardest obstacle to override.

“That's one of the biggest stumbling blocks we have but we don't want to upset employers and we are not in the realms of making enemies,” he said.

“This gives their business the opportunity to assist in the local community.

"We give their staff a lot of different skills that gives them confidence.

"The fire service gains but the businesses gain as well because they have that stature of having firefighters on their staff.”

He understands caution from businessmen during times of recession but asked them just to take a flexible, open minded approach to the idea.

Mr Whitelock said he is always happy to visit businesses directly and discuss it in more detail.

The part time role is paid.

Newcomers are trained to a similar level to full time staff – including being taught at Marlow Fire Station which is home to one of the country's most high tech training centres.

Applicants need to be over 18 and physically fit and are required to live and work close to the fire station.

If you are interested and would like an informal interview please contact Lisa on 01494 898420.