The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has opened a new recruitment campaign to find dedicated On-Call Firefighters to serve their local communities.

Under the banner 'Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS', the service is looking for individuals who live or work within five minutes of a local station and are eager to make a significant impact.

The recruitment drive covers 26 specific stations across Northern Ireland: Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Glengormley, Portrush, Portstewart, Whitehead, Armagh, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Holywood, Keady, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newtownhamilton, Portaferry, Warrenpoint, Comber, Belleek, Clogher, Dromore (Tyrone), Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Newtownstewart, Pomeroy, and Carryduff.

To assist potential applicants, information evenings are being held at every participating station during the three-week campaign. These sessions allow interested parties to learn about the commitment involved, speak with current crews, understand the physical training requirements, and check their eligibility for the role. Western Area Commander David Doherty said: "We are inviting new applicants to join our dedicated team of On-Call Firefighters who provide vital support in protecting local community. Our On-Call Firefighters respond to the same types of incidents that Wholetime Firefighters do, alongside balancing firefighting duties with other jobs, businesses and family responsibilities. On-Call Firefighters demonstrate incredible dedication to protecting their local community and I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining our team to apply. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage any local business owners in these areas who are willing to allow On-Call Firefighters to be released from their employment to attend emergency calls, to contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information."

The role attracts people from all walks of life. Megan Walsh, an On-Call Firefighter in Crossmaglen, balances the role with her work at a children's entertainment centre and local volunteering.

She said: "My primary employer, a children's entertainment centre, is very supportive of my role as an On-Call Firefighter. They allow me to respond to fire calls with a minute's notice. Knowing that I am helping others and ensuring I am there for my community when they need us most, it's very worthwhile."

Similarly, Oran Swift combines firefighting with his career as a bricklayer and family life.

He said: "Being an On-Call Firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day. I work as a bricklayer and keep my pager on during the day and then clock off when I'm spending time with my family. Once you find the correct balance, the role is incredibly rewarding. I am helping others, gaining new skills and discovering leadership strengths I never knew I had. It's so important living in small rural villages that we all chip in together to keep people safe."

Applications for the positions must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 13 March.