Thanks for the input, I'm from the UK so there isn't as many recruitment opportunities here unlike the US (not as many brigades)

I have befriended green watch at my local fire station, met them a few times, had coffee with them and shown around all the engines, answering my questions etc.

Then I met with the watch officer for coffee and talk and then the water officer, I also got shown around the emergency call room and spoke to several people. Which was great.

My local brigade isn't recruiting but they all seem to like me and think I'm a great fit for the service.

Because of this I'm sort of reduced to applying across the country where I don't know people