LIFE at Droitwich's fire station isn't all about dashing to blazes. A peek behind the scenes reveals the changing role of today's firefighters.

Many children dream of driving a fire engine and bravely undertaking heroic acts.

But firefighters have a much broader role. The Friar Street station employs 14 full-time firefighters and 12 retained staff, led by newly appointed station commander John Das-Gupta.

Green Watch and White Watch provide 24-hour cover for the town, working four days on, four days off.

The retained firefighters usually have another job and offer their services in times of need.

The station is staffed between 9am and 6pm but employees are on call at all times during their shift.

Their average day will begin with a roll call. Duties are then allocated, appliances are checked and physical, practical and theoretical training sessions must be attended.

Throughout the shift, firefighters respond to all 999 calls.

They could include house fires, car fires, chemical leaks, explosions, road traffic accidents and flooding incidents.

All too often, their busy programme can be hindered by hoax calls and arsonists.

Despite being based in Droitwich, the watches regularly provide support across Worcestershire.

The station, which has three fire engines, boasts the brigade's only incident support unit - a machine used to control chemical spillages.

The men also work hard in the community to educate people about preventing blazes.

Recently, town firefighters even fitted smoke detectors at Charland Court, off Shepherds Way, following a spate of arson attacks.

Commander Das-Gupta said: "The primary role of a firefighter is to prevent fires. It's hugely important to warn residents how easily fires can start and how to deal with dangerous situations.

"Our key message for people is to buy smoke detectors for their homes. They cost around £5 and can save lives."

In 2001, they supported the launch of Droitwich Spa's first Young Firefighters' Association.

Commander Das-Gupta said: "We work hard in the community to make a difference and are keen to share our knowledge with residents to make the town a safer place.

"The role of a firefighter is rewarding. If you are looking for a career with bags of job satisfaction, look no further than the fire service."