(Image: NYFRS)
There has been a significant increase in people signing up as on-call firefighters across North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed 53 new recruits — well above previous years' intake of between 32 and 34 — as part of ongoing efforts to boost emergency response capacity and keep communities safe.
The increase comes amid ongoing investment in recruitment, workforce development and employee wellbeing, according to a new report presented to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel.
The service now employs 306 full-time firefighters, 339 on-call firefighters, 14 volunteer firefighters and 105 support staff across York and North Yorkshire.
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said: "Our firefighters and support staff play a vital role in keeping people safe, often in the most challenging circumstances.
"It's incredible to see more local people choosing to serve their communities as on-call firefighters.
"Their public service helps to strengthen our fire and rescue service and to ensure residents are being kept safe.
"The response to the Langdale and Fylingdales wildfire showed exactly why our on-call firefighters, as well as other partners like farmers and landowners, are so important.
"Their dedication demonstrates the vital role they play in keeping York and North Yorkshire safe.
"That's why Mayor David Skaith and I will continue to encourage employers to support staff who want to become on-call firefighters and why we're doing everything we can to support the wider welfare of all our firefighters."
On-call firefighters played a critical role alongside full-time crews during the Langdale and Fylingdales wildfire — one of the region's most significant emergency incidents.
The report praised the "exceptional commitment" shown by on-call personnel and reinforced the need to keep recruiting and supporting these individuals, who balance emergency service with other jobs and family life.
The fire service is continuing to invest in employee wellbeing, offering occupational health support, mental fitness workshops, peer support programmes and other initiatives to help staff stay healthy both physically and mentally.
The most recent inspection by HMICFRS has recognised improvements in workforce planning, skills development and leadership.
Several workforce-related areas received higher ratings than in previous inspections.
A recent staff survey also showed positive results, with 91 per cent of respondents saying they care about the future of the service and 80 per cent expressing pride in working for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The service is continuing to recruit on-call firefighters across the county.
Anyone interested in serving their community while earning extra income and gaining valuable skills is encouraged to visit the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website for more information about current opportunities.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is a legally recognised, single body formed by the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council.
The authority is led by Mayor David Skaith and aims to use devolved funding and powers to invest in ways that improve life, work and business across the region.
For more information about becoming an on-call firefighter, visit the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website.