Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has launched an on-call firefighter recruitment campaign aimed at those who live or work within five minutes of their local on-call fire station.

NIFRS is recruiting for the roles across 26 fire stations as part of the ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’ campaign.

The stations include Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Glengormley, Portrush, Portstewart, Whitehead, Armagh, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Holywood, Keady, Lurgan, and Newcastle, along with Newtownhamilton, Portaferry, Warrenpoint, Comber, Belleek, Clogher, Dromore (Tyrone), Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Newtownstewart, Pomeroy, and Carryduff.

As part of NIFRS’ commitment to recruiting the best possible candidates, information evenings are being held in every recruiting station throughout the duration of the three-week campaign, which began on Monday, February 23.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has launched an on-call firefighter recruitment campaign aimed at those who live or work within five minutes of their local on-call fire station. Photo: NI World

placeholder image — Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has launched an on-call firefighter recruitment campaign aimed at those who live or work within five minutes of their local on-call fire station. Photo: NI World

Those attending the information evenings will have the opportunity to learn more about the role of on-call firefighters and the commitment involved; speak directly to the crew at the fire station and ask questions about the role; find out more about the physical aspects of the job and the training provided; understand the application process and find out if they are eligible to apply.

NIFRS 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.”

About the role

On-call firefighters work part-time and carry a pager to alert them to emergencies in their local area. They are paid a retaining fee, emergency call-out payments and a payment to attend a weekly drill night, two hours per week in the evening. On-call firefighters are trained to the highest standards and take part in 12 days of training each year.

Megan Walsh from Crossmaglen combines her role as an on-call firefighter alongside working in a children’s entertainment centre, volunteering in her local community and attending the gym regularly.

She said: “My primary employer 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.”

Oran Swift combines his role as an on-call firefighter alongside working as a bricklayer and looking after his young family. “Being an on-call firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day,” he said.

"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.”

Candidates can apply online and download application packs from NIFRS’s website at www.nifrs.org.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 13 at 12pm.

Information evenings

Details about NIFRS’ information evenings are as follows, with all events running from 8pm:

Ballycastle – Monday 23 February, 2 March and 9 March

Armagh – Monday 23 February, 2 March and 9 March

Belleek – Monday 23 February, 2 March and 9 March

Carryduff - Wednesday 25 February, 4 March and 11 March

Ballyclare – Tuesday 24 February, 3 March and 10 March

Ballynahinch - Tuesday 24 February, 3 March and 10 March

Clogher– Monday 23 February, 2 March and 9 March

Glengormley – Thursday 26 February, 5 March and 12 March