Could You Become an On-call Fire Fighter?

Living Magazines On-call fire fighter

An on-call firefighter is a fully trained firefighter who is alerted in the event of a 999 call and responds to incidents from home or work.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service wants to hear from anyone who thinks they’re up to the challenge.

Once alerted, on-call firefighters – formerly known as retained firefighters – check in to their fire station, collect their fire kit and work alongside full-time firefighters at the same incidents.

Director of Community Protection and Chief Fire Officer, Darryl Keen said: ‘Being an on-call firefighter is one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs you can do and provides a valuable service to the community. The flexibility of a working pattern that you are able to fit around work or home life also means the job can be balanced with other commitments.

‘This has attracted a diverse workforce and an increasing number of women and single parents into the role. If you feel it is a commitment you could make, we would particularly welcome applicants from all sections of the community.’

To find more about being an on-call firefighter and express an interest in the role, please visit the on-call Firefighter Recruitment page.

If you are interested in attending an engagement session, the next one is on the 16 May 21. To find out more about the role and fitness levels, please complete the on-call Firefighter – Engagement Session expression of interest form.

Those who are successfully shortlisted will be required to attend a selection day on 23 May or 12 June at JESA Training Centre, Stevenage.

Eligible applicants must:

  • be over 18 when the recruit course is due to start – there’s no upper age limit
  • live or work within 4 minutes from their chosen fire station
  • have the right to work in the UK (but any nationality is accepted)
  • not have any unspent criminal convictions (if you have a criminal record, you must declare it in your application)

There are no height requirements, but you will need to maintain a level of fitness and this will be tested during the selection process. For more details visit the Fire and Rescue Service jobs page.