More diversity wanted for fire service

Firefighter Avril Sim is encouraging other women to join the service

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is launching a campaign for more women and black and ethnic minority recruits.

Just 10 of the force's 943 full-time firefighters are women, and only eight are of an ethnic minority background.

The force is to hold more than 20 awareness days at job centres across south Wales during October.

Penarth firefighters and a fire engine are visiting Penarth Jobcentre Plus to speak to women and members of ethnic groups about becoming a firefighter.

Chief fire officer Brian Fraser said the service needed to reflect the communities it served.

"South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is committed to equal opportunities.

"We hope that by developing a positive action strategy aimed at increasing awareness and interest from the under-represented groups within our community, we will encourage more people from these groups to consider a career as a firefighter".

Skills

He urged people to come and speak to female and ethnic minority firefighters to find out for themselves about working for the fire service.

South Wales Fire Service plans to hold a major recruitment drive in November following the awareness campaign in October.

Visitors to the awareness days will be able to book themselves on to taster days at the fire service training centres in Barry and Pontyclun.

You come to work and you don't feel as if you're a 'girl'. From day one, I was just a firefighter Avril Sim

They will be able to try out skills such as hose running, ladder climbing and take a fitness test.

Officers will also explain the selection process, including details of the written test applicants have to take.

Avril Sim, the only female firefighter on White Watch at Barry Fire Station, said her family and friends were a little bit shocked when she told them she wanted to work for the fire service.

"People have different perceptions on the fire brigade and believe that some women shouldn't work in the brigade, but I've fitted in really well.

"I'm treated as an equal in this job - I do the same jobs and had to pass the same tests as the men.

"I came to work and the men just treated me as an equal, as one of the lads if you like.

"They don't try to impress me, they don't try to patronize me.

"They don't look after you either, you have to go in there and get stuck in. I don't want to be treated any differently," she told BBC Radio Wales.

'Technique'

Ms Sim encouraged other women to consider the fire service as a career.

"I didn't find the training difficult physically. Naturally you're going to be weaker but I have worked hard and done the training and I don't find that it's stopped me doing anything as yet.

"The strength issue is not a problem because it's all about technique and how you do things," she said.

"The shift pattern is great. I'm at home at lot with my children."

She added doing the job had made her feel "really confident".

"You come to work and you don't feel as if you're a 'girl'. From day one, I was just a firefighter."