LIVES could be at risk if volunteer firefighters do not come forward in Manningtree.

The retained station which is based on Quay Street currently only has 15 firefighters which means it can often only send one engine to 999 calls.

Station manger Quentin Sage said people’s lives could be at risk if they have to wait for a second engine from Colchester or Dovercourt.

He said: “It could be the difference between life and death. “

A meeting, organised by county councillor Carlo Guglielmi, will be held on March 26 at Mistley Village Hall on Shrubland Road from 7.30pm in a bid to recruit more volunteers.