NIFRS Launches NI-Wide Recruit Campaign

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is appealing to individuals who are interested in serving their community to consider a career as an On-Call Firefighter.

On-Call Firefighters play a vital role in protecting their local communities by responding to emergencies within their designated areas.

"If you live or work within 5 minutes of your local On-Call Fire Station and you want to serve your community, we could have the role for you!" the NIFRS has said.

On-Call Firefighters work part-time and carry a pager to be alerted to emergencies in their local area. NIFRS offers a range of contracted hours to suit individual lifestyles and commitments.

This rewarding role offers the opportunity to save lives, protect property, and provide valuable advice to the community.

Individuals interested in becoming an On-Call Firefighter can find further information on the NIFRS website.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Western Area Commander David Doherty said: "Our On-Call Firefighters are the cornerstone of our Fire & Rescue Service. They are crucial in how we deliver our Service to the community. They provide emergency response to their local communities 24/7, 365 days a year.

"The role of an On-Call Firefighter is ideal for people who live or work within 5 minutes of their local Fire Station. They have a strong sense of community and desire to help others, they are physically fit and eager to take on a new challenge. "If you are successful you will be joining NIFRS at a really exciting time. Our Firefighter training is now fully based at our new Learning & Development College in Cookstown. A first-class training facility where you will develop your skills and competence. No previous experience or training is required to apply, just dedication and a willingness to learn in order to be there when your community needs you most.

"I would also like to recognise the local employers who allow their employees to become On-Call Firefighters. Without them the success of our On-Call Firefighter system wouldn't work. If you are a local employer and are willing to work with us please contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information."

On-Call Firefighters are paid a retaining fee, emergency call-out payments and a payment to attend a weekly drill night, 2 hours per week in the evening. Our On-Call Firefighters are trained to the highest standards and take part in 12 days of training each year to ensure we have the most highly skilled Firefighters to help protect our local communities.

Candidates can apply online and download application packs from NIFRS's website at www.nifrs.org. The closing date for applications is Friday 14 February 2025 at 12 noon.

On-Call Firefighters are needed across 43 stations in Northern Ireland, including: Antrim, Armagh, Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Belleek, Carnlough, Carryduff, Castlederg, Clogher, Cookstown, Crossmaglen, Crumlin, Cushendall, Downpatrick, Dromore, Dromore (Co Down), Dungannon, Dungiven, Enniskillen, Fintona, Holywood, Irvinestown, Keady, Kilrea, Limavady, Lisnaskea, Maghera, Magherafelt, Newcastle, Newry, Newtownards, Newtownhamilton, Pomeroy, Portadown, Portaferry, Portrush, Portstewart, Rathfriland, Strabane, Warrenpoint and Whitehead.