Fire chiefs say lives could be at risk unless Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service can recruit more retained firefighters.

The service desperately needs at least 100 more volunteers to bring its reserve force up to full strength. The most urgent need is in rural towns and villages and the service is about to launch a recruitment drive with special open days so people can find out more about the vital role they can play in their communities.

If the current vacancies are not filled, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service warns that engines may be left on forecourts and therefore could put lives at risk.

Senior Divisional Officer Kevin Butcher said: "We need another 100 volunteers and that means we sometimes have appliances that are unavailable because of staff shortages. We manage, but it can have a detrimental effect on emergency cover.

"The reason for the shortages stems from the fact that people work outside the villages and towns they live in, which makes it difficult to be a volunteer."

As well as holding an essential role in the community, there are financial incentives. Volunteers are paid based on the number of hours they are available and they are paid for attending training sessions.

Retained firefighters are desperately needed at Winchester, Eastleigh, Sutton Scotney, Whitchurch, Stockbridge and Alresford,

MP Mark Oaten met with Hampshire Fire and Rescue officials to discuss the problem and has tabled questions to the office of the Deputy PM. "I have asked questions, including the subject of tax breaks for firms employing retained firefighters. The service could not cope without them. They provide full and extensive cover."

In June, Winchester and Droxford stations will hold open days to allow people to see for them- selves what the job involves and the benefits that come with it.

Station Officer Peter Watson said: "We need six retained firefighters at Winchester because people have left for various reasons. "Anyone can be a retained firefighter, so we need as many people as we can get. At Winchester, when the first engine goes out, the second is crewed by retained firefighters and if there's not enough people to crew it, it won't go out."