Women invited to step into firefighting careers at NIFRS ‘Come and Try’ events

Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to explore a career in firefighting as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service prepares to launch a major recruitment drive for Wholetime Firefighters next month.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has announced a series of hands-on “Come and Try Days” aimed specifically at women interested in joining the service, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the demands, realities and opportunities of modern firefighting.

The events come as the organisation continues efforts to increase female representation within its workforce, with the number of female Wholetime Firefighters almost doubling over the past five years.

Hands-on experience ahead of recruitment campaign

Ahead of its Wholetime Firefighter recruitment campaign launching in June 2026, NIFRS said the events are designed for women who are strong, fit, enthusiastic and passionate about protecting their local communities.

Participants will be given practical insight into the role of a firefighter, including the physical and operational aspects of the job, while also hearing directly from female firefighters already serving within the organisation.

The service hopes the events will help tackle misconceptions around firefighting and encourage more women to consider a career traditionally dominated by men.

NIFRS said female representation among Wholetime Firefighters has increased from 4.97% to 9.56% over the past five years as it continues to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Events planned across Northern Ireland

The “Come and Try Days” will take place at fire stations across Northern Ireland over the coming weeks, including:

• Central Fire Station, Belfast – Sunday 7 June and Saturday 13 June

• Crescent Link Fire Station, Derry/Londonderry – Saturday 6 June

• Omagh Fire Station – Sunday 14 June

• Antrim Fire Station – Saturday 6 June

• Armagh Fire Station – Saturday 13 June

Participants must be aged 17 or over.

Each event will include two available sessions:

• Morning session – 10am to 12.30pm

• Afternoon session – 2pm to 4.30pm

Places are limited and interested participants are being urged to register early.

To reserve a place, visit:

https://www.nifrs.org/careers/wholetime-careers/

Breaking down barriers in firefighting

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Station Commander Nicola McSherry said the events are designed to build confidence and give women a clearer understanding of what the role really involves.

She said:

“We’re delighted to offer women across Northern Ireland the opportunity to attend one of our Come and Try Day’s if they are considering Firefighting as a career.

“These events are about building confidence, breaking down misconceptions and giving women an opportunity to ask questions and find out what is actually involved, particularly in terms of strength and fitness.

“Modern firefighting is not only about responding to operational incidents; it’s about engaging with our community, providing safety advice and helping prevent emergencies.

“I would encourage anyone interested to come along, meet our crews and find out more about a career in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.”

Growing demand for firefighters across Northern Ireland

The recruitment campaign comes as fire and rescue services across the UK continue wider efforts to improve diversity within frontline emergency services and encourage more women into operational roles.

For many women considering a career change, public service role or physically demanding profession, the events offer an opportunity to experience the realities of firefighting before formal recruitment opens.

With stations including Antrim hosting events locally, the initiative is expected to attract interest from women across the greater Ballymena area and wider Mid and East Antrim borough.