Because the modern Fire & Rescue Service is highly mobile, well equipped, and above all has trained firefighters used to remaining calm in a crisis, we can deal with many incidents other than fires. A firefighter may be called on to rescue the victims of road and rail crashes, help in incidents involving industrial machinery or lifts, or even be invited to give community safety advice and guidance to individuals.

They must always be ready to combine technical and personal skills and proficiency as a lifesaver in these operations. It may surprise you to know that a significant proportion of a firefighters time is spent on fire prevention and community safety. This is approached in several ways and includes educating the public with regard to community safety, and highlighting the hazards and risks of fire.

In an operational situation, such as attending a fire, the firefighters have to make a very quick assessment of the situation - as materials used in homes and factories change so does the way a fire is tackled. A house fire may require two appliances whereas a commercial or factory fire may involve several appliances as well as requiring thousands of litres of water and foam, plus the use of specialist equipment.

There is also the hazard of toxic fumes and heavy smoke that can be generated from modern materials - for example foam filled furniture. This makes tackling a fire that much more difficult and firefighters always go fully protected with equipment such as breathing apparatus as well as personal radio sets to keep them in contact with their colleagues at the scene, or back at FRS Headquarters.

The Fire & Rescue Service is a career with real purpose. Hopefully, the above gives you a flavour of what it is to be a firefighter.