21/07/2026
NIFRS Opens Two-Week Drive To Recruit Wholetime Firefighters
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a recruitment campaign for Wholetime Firefighters, describing the role as demanding but rewarding and urging people with the right fitness, commitment and enthusiasm to apply.
Wholetime Firefighters are full-time personnel based at fire stations across Northern Ireland, responding to emergencies and helping to keep communities safe.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Director of People & Culture Tabitha Ramsay said: "Firefighting is a challenging but highly fulfilling career. Our crews respond to a wide range of incidents including fires, floods, road traffic collisions, animal rescues, chemical spills and specialist rescues. "Firefighters also play a vital role in preventing emergencies through community safety initiatives and fire safety education. It is about much more than emergencies – it is about serving communities, working as part of a dedicated team and making a real difference to people's lives.
"Before signing up, applicants must really consider if this is the right role for them. The job is physically demanding and Firefighters are required to be strong and maintain their fitness throughout their career. The role offers a career where every day brings new challenges and the chance to make a real positive impact.
"If you think you have what it takes, then we encourage you to apply now."
The campaign opened today, Monday 20 July 2026, and runs for two weeks, closing at 12 noon on Monday 3 August.
Wholetime Firefighters are full-time personnel based at fire stations across Northern Ireland, responding to emergencies and helping to keep communities safe.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Director of People & Culture Tabitha Ramsay said: "Firefighting is a challenging but highly fulfilling career. Our crews respond to a wide range of incidents including fires, floods, road traffic collisions, animal rescues, chemical spills and specialist rescues. "Firefighters also play a vital role in preventing emergencies through community safety initiatives and fire safety education. It is about much more than emergencies – it is about serving communities, working as part of a dedicated team and making a real difference to people's lives.
"Before signing up, applicants must really consider if this is the right role for them. The job is physically demanding and Firefighters are required to be strong and maintain their fitness throughout their career. The role offers a career where every day brings new challenges and the chance to make a real positive impact.
"If you think you have what it takes, then we encourage you to apply now."
The campaign opened today, Monday 20 July 2026, and runs for two weeks, closing at 12 noon on Monday 3 August.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 April 2012
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
01 November 2024
Antrim Fire Station Officially Re-Opens
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's Antrim Fire Station has officially re-opened following a £2.2 million refurbishment. Work began in March of last year to update the Castle Street site, which was originally built in 1953, to transform the building into a modern day fire station enhancing firefighter and public safety.
Antrim Fire Station Officially Re-Opens
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's Antrim Fire Station has officially re-opened following a £2.2 million refurbishment. Work began in March of last year to update the Castle Street site, which was originally built in 1953, to transform the building into a modern day fire station enhancing firefighter and public safety.
01 October 2025
Man Dies Following Water Emergency In Dromore
A man has died following a water rescue from the River Lagan in Dromore early Sunday morning (29 September). Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed that firefighters attended the scene after reports of a water emergency at 7.28am.
Man Dies Following Water Emergency In Dromore
A man has died following a water rescue from the River Lagan in Dromore early Sunday morning (29 September). Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed that firefighters attended the scene after reports of a water emergency at 7.28am.
04 February 2013
NIFRS Launch Major Recruitment Drive
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a major recruitment drive for Retained (part-time) Firefighters in 37 Fire Stations across Northern Ireland and is encouraging more females and those from ethnic minority backgrounds to apply.
NIFRS Launch Major Recruitment Drive
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a major recruitment drive for Retained (part-time) Firefighters in 37 Fire Stations across Northern Ireland and is encouraging more females and those from ethnic minority backgrounds to apply.
30 January 2026
Larne Firefighter Honoured For Remarkable 50 Years Of Service
A special ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to honour Watch Commander Tommy Torbitt for his extraordinary 50-year career with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).
Larne Firefighter Honoured For Remarkable 50 Years Of Service
A special ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to honour Watch Commander Tommy Torbitt for his extraordinary 50-year career with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).
-




Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Another very warm day with variable cloud and some sunshine. Mostly dry morning but with a few sharp showers developing in the afternoon with a chance of hail and thunder. Maximum temperature 25 °C.Tonight:Showers fade out in the evening to leave some clear spells before cloud and further showery rain spreads east, clearing in the early hours to allow some clear spells. Minimum temperature 14 °C.

