Dorset | Posted on September 4th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service recruits on-call firefighters

Following recent major incidents, 46 stations across the region are hoping to recruit more on-call firefighters.

Devastating heath fires raged across the region during this hot summer, prompting Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) to call on local residents to consider becoming an on-call firefighter.

46 out of 50 stations across Dorset & Wiltshire are currently recruiting on-call firefighters.

Area Manager Brad Stevens said: “We’re always looking for future on-call firefighters. Most of our crews work on an on-call basis, meaning they respond to a pager when needed, and recruiting helps to ensure the best availability of resources and equipment across the service.

“We want to encourage people from all walks of life to consider this opportunity. If you’d like a new challenge, enjoy supporting the community and like to keep active, then this could be for you.”

Potential firefighters need to be able to provide a minimum of 40 on-call hours of availability per week. This can be done alongside their normal job. On-call firefighters also need to be able to respond quickly to their station when the pager goes off, so living or working near a fire station is really important too.

Think you live too far away but work from home? Could you work from a fire station instead? If this could be you contact recruitment@dwfire.org.uk.

Being an on-call firefighter is a paid role, and recruitment runs all year round. Information on DWFRS’ current vacancies can be found on www.dwfire.org.uk/current-vacancies/

You can also find first hand experiences and further information on how to apply on www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/.