NIFRS Launches Recruitment Drive

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has launched a major recruitment drive for on-call firefighters.

Some 41 fire stations across the region are seeking additional personnel, with applicants who can respond to their local station within five minutes urged to apply.

On-call and part-time firefighters help protect their local community by responding to emergency incidents, including fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist service calls. They also play a crucial role in providing safety advice and assistance in their local area.

The NIFRS is recruiting people who can respond to the following Fire Stations within five minutes of being alerted by pager – Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Ballynahinch, Bangor, Carnlough, Carrickfergus, Carryduff, Coleraine, Comber, Cookstown, Crescent link, Crossmaglen, Donaghadee, Downpatrick, Dungannon, Dungiven, Enniskillen, Fintona, Glengormley, Holywood, Irvinestown, Keady, Limavady, Lisnaskea, Lurgan, Maghera, Newtownards, Newtownhamilton, Newry, Omagh, Pomeroy, Portadown, Portaferry, Portrush, Portstewart, Rathfriland, Strabane, Warrenpoint, Whitehead.

Recruitment information nights are being held at each station. Candidates can download application packs and apply online by the closing date of Friday 11 October here.

NIFRS Group Commander Brian Stanfield said the role is an important and rewarding one. He explained: "NIFRS could simply not operate without our On-Call Firefighters as they provide emergency fire and rescue services to their local communities 24/7.

"It is an extremely rewarding and interesting job.

"Local employers have an equally important role to play in the success of the On-Call Firefighter system by allowing their employees to become On-Call Firefighters. Hundreds of local employers across Northern Ireland employ On-Call Firefighters, benefiting them by having someone on site who has developed a wide range of skills and experience. NIFRS greatly appreciates the support of local employers in helping provide the best possible fire and rescue service.

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

Applications from females will be particularly welcomed as the NIFRS is currently under represented by this group. Appointments will be made solely on merit.



(JG/CM)