Suffolk has launched its first recruitment drive for full-time firefighters for nearly a decade after attracting interest in the career with a New Year awareness campaign.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s application process opened on Thursday and closes on March 15. Anyone interested in applying is urged to respond quickly though, as the application process will close early if 1500 applications are received.

Applications are welcome from all Suffolk residents that are 18 years of age or older and reasonably fit and healthy with a combination of strength and stamina.

Applications from black and minority ethnic groups and female candidates are particularly encouraged as the service recognises these are groups of society that are currently under-represented.

Candidates that are shortlisted from the application process will go through a series of assessments similar to the challenges they may face in the role, along with a formal interview and medical assessment.

The opening of the application process follows the popular taster sessions that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service recently held around the county. The doors were opened to over 400 people that had an insight into what life is like as a firefighter in Suffolk.

Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Public Protection, said: “The role of a firefighter has changed significantly over the years and it is far more diverse than people might expect.

“From conducting home safety checks, to talking to people about fire prevention, carrying out water rescues and dealing with road traffic collisions.

“It is a hugely rewarding role that encompasses a great breadth of work including, of course, putting out fires.

“If anyone thinks they might be suitable for the role and would like to join a team that puts the community first, I would really encourage you to apply.”

Although the fire and rescue service have not been recruiting full-time fire fighters since 2009, the service regularly recruits on-call firefighters to serve local communities.

The recruitment of on-call firefighters will continue once the new full-time recruitment campaign has finished later in the spring.