NIFRS calls for On-Call Firefighters across Northern Ireland

From Ballycastle to Carryduff, communities across Northern Ireland are being urged to step forward as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) launches a major On-Call Firefighter recruitment campaign.

Branded ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’, the three-week drive is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who live or work within five minutes of their local On-Call Fire Station — people willing to carry a pager, respond at short notice and help protect their community when it matters most.

NIFRS is recruiting across 26 stations, including 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.

Balancing everyday life with emergency response

On-Call Firefighters work part-time, carrying a pager to alert them to emergencies in their local area. They receive a retaining fee, emergency call-out payments and payment for attending a weekly two-hour evening drill night.

In addition, firefighters complete 12 days of training each year to maintain the highest professional standards.

Western Area Commander David Doherty said the service is looking for people ready to make a meaningful contribution locally.

“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 appeal to employers underlines how the model relies not just on individuals, but on entire communities supporting emergency response.

‘It’s very worthwhile’

For Megan Walsh from Crossmaglen, the role sits alongside work in a children’s entertainment centre, volunteering locally and regular gym sessions.

“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.”

Oran Swift balances firefighting duties with his job as a bricklayer and caring for his young family.

“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.”

Information evenings across all districts

To support potential applicants, NIFRS is holding information evenings at every recruiting station throughout the campaign. Attendees can:

• Learn more about the role and the commitment involved

• Speak directly to local crew members

• Understand the physical aspects of the job and training requirements

• Find out about eligibility and the application process

Information evenings are scheduled as follows:

Northern District

Ballycastle – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Ballyclare – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Glengormley – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March

Portrush – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March

Portstewart – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March

Whitehead – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Southern District

Armagh – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Ballynahinch – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Crossmaglen – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March

Holywood – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Keady – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Lurgan – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Newcastle – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Newtownhamilton – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March

Portaferry – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Warrenpoint – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Comber – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March

Western District

Belleek – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Clogher – Monday 23 Feb, 2 March & 9 March

Dromore (Tyrone) – Tuesday 24 Feb, 3 March & 10 March

Enniskillen – Thursday 26 Feb (female only), 5 March & 12 March

Irvinestown – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March

Newtownstewart – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March

Pomeroy – Thursday 26 Feb, 5 March & 12 March

Eastern District

Carryduff – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March

Lisnaskea – Wednesday 25 Feb, 4 March & 11 March

How to apply

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

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 13 March.

For those living or working within five minutes of one of the listed stations, this is more than a job opportunity — it is a chance to become part of the emergency backbone of your town.