THE NEXT generation of firefighters are currently in training and this week they have been learning how to use vital equipment when saving lives.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is currently on a recruitment drive. As part of its efforts to fill the service with skilled new recruits, the service has been giving instruction to new on-call firefighters. This week in their initial training, new on-call firefighters learnt how to operate breathing apparatus, which allows them to safely enter smoke-filled buildings when saving lives.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “The photo shows the firefighters learning the capacity of the cylinders and how their breathing can affect it. “

New recruits also learnt how to control their breathing whilst wearing the masks. The service are still on the look-out for on-call firefighters – training is taking place during the pandemic under Covid-19 guidelines.