The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service has launched a fresh recruitment drive to bolster its depleted ranks.

The service has suffered from a manpower crisis in the past two years, resulting in long-running disputes between firefighters and the Government.

Firefighters had claimed that services in the East End were being compromised because staff had to be assigned to the airport under international fire safety regulations – leaving crews short staffed and unable to respond to residential emergencies.

Although the Government brought 19 Canadian firefighters to the island last July and a further 11 Bermudians have been recruited, numbers are still short.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “This is the latest campaign to recruit Bermudian firefighters.

“We currently have a batch of recruits training overseas in the UK and the service wishes to hire the next group of women and men to begin training.”

He added: “I want to encourage Bermudian women and men who are up to the task and looking to make a real impact on the community to apply.

“Service within the BFRS is a challenging and rewarding career within the public service. There are ongoing training and opportunities within the service that make this an exciting career that is very active.

“When the public needs help, you are the one they will call. Are you up for the challenge?”

In a statement earlier this month, Mr Weeks said that 11 Bermudians under training were expected to be ready to start duties at the end of March but the BFRS would still require some of the overseas firefighters to remain while the new group of recruits undertake the six month-long training course.

Those interested should click here to submit an application. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 1.