SOUTH WALES Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is encouraging employers across South Wales to support their employees who wish to serve as on-call firefighters.
Employers benefit from team members who develop valuable skills including:
- Leadership, communication, and teamwork
- Resilience and decision-making under pressure
- First aid and incident management skills
- Enhanced confidence and problem-solving abilities
- Supporting on-call firefighters not only strengthens local emergency response but also brings these transferable skills back into the workplace
Lauren O’Sullivan-Jones, Group Manager at SWFRS, said: “On-call firefighters are the heartbeat of our communities across South Wales – making up 34% of our workforce across 36 fire stations.
“With 590 dedicated individuals already serving, this role offers more than just a uniform, it’s a chance to gain life-changing skills, protect your communities, and respond to real emergencies, all while continuing your primary career.“
SWFRS operates 47 fire stations across South Wales, with 36 supported by or entirely staffed by on-call crews. These trained professionals respond to emergencies in their local areas, providing essential fire and rescue cover in rural, coastal, and urban communities.
You can become an on-call firefighter if you live or work within five minutes of a station or even support two locations where you live and where you work. The role offers flexibility, professional training, and the satisfaction of helping others.
Individuals are asked to commit to a specified number of hours each week in exchange for a salary, regardless of their employment status. While on duty, on-call firefighters carry an ‘alerter’ with them, which prompts them to respond to fire-related emergencies when needed.
Applications are open year-round, and those interested can attend a drill night at their local station to meet crews if they are interested to learn more.
To view a list of stations currently recruiting, or to start an application or for employers wanting to support staff involvement, visit the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service website.
Your community needs you. Your courage can change lives. Become an on-call firefighter, where ordinary people do extraordinary things.
Think #YouCan help your community? Join South Wales Fire and Rescue Service or support your employees to do so.
