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NIFRS recruiting for On-Call Firefighters in 43 Fire Stations

Writer's picture: Love BallymenaLove Ballymena
Firefighters lined up in row

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is calling on those who want to make a real difference in their community to become On-Call Firefighters. 


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!


On-Call Firefighters work part-time and carry a pager to alert them to emergencies in their local area.



This rewarding role offers a unique opportunity to save lives, protect property, provide advice and serve your local community – all while fitting around you and your existing commitments. NIFRS offers a range of contracted hours to suit you and your lifestyle.


NIFRS is recruiting for On-Call Firefighters 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.



Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Western Area Commander David Doherty explains:


“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 12noon.


We are holding open evenings and these details can be found here On-Call Firefighter - Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

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