Fire and Emergency Support Service Volunteers

Volunteering with fire and emergency services

Fire and rescue services across the UK depend on retained firefighters and, in some areas, volunteers to help protect communities. If you want to get involved in emergency response work locally, there are several ways to do so.

The role can be demanding, but it offers genuine hands-on experience. You will develop practical skills in teamwork, quick decision making and working under pressure. Many people who take on these roles find them deeply rewarding, though experiences vary.

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Types of roles available

The opportunities available depend on where you live and what your local service needs.

Retained firefighters are on-call firefighters who respond to emergencies alongside full-time crews. You will need to live or work within a few minutes of the fire station. Retained firefighters receive an annual retainer fee plus payments for callouts and training, so this sits somewhere between volunteering and part-time employment.

Some fire and rescue services also recruit people for non-operational roles. These might include supporting fire safety education, assisting with home safety visits or helping with administrative work. The terminology and structure of these roles varies between services, and not all areas offer them.

Other emergency organisations welcome volunteers too. St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross and local community first responder schemes all provide training and opportunities to support during emergencies. Some areas have community emergency groups that assist with flooding or major incidents, often coordinated through local resilience forums rather than fire services directly.

Fire cadet schemes exist in some regions, offering younger people a way to get involved before they reach 18.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Who can get involved

Requirements vary between services, but most expect the following:

• You must usually be 18 or over, though some services accept younger volunteers for non-operational roles or cadet programmes.
• You should be in good general health. Firefighting roles require a certain level of physical fitness, and you will need to pass medical and fitness assessments.
• Good eyesight is required for operational roles. Glasses or contact lenses are usually acceptable if your corrected vision meets the standard.
• You need to live or work close enough to respond quickly when called. For retained firefighters, this often means being within five minutes of the station.

Personal qualities matter as much as physical ability. Services look for people who stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly and can be relied upon. You will be working as part of a team in unpredictable situations, so flexibility and a level head are valued.

If you are employed, you will need your employer's agreement to leave work when called out. Some employers have formal arrangements to support staff who are retained firefighters, including agreed leave for training and callouts. Others may have concerns about disruption. It is worth having an honest conversation before you apply.

Training, commitment and how to apply

Retained firefighters receive training before taking on active duties. Initial training can take several weeks and covers firefighting techniques, equipment handling, first aid and safety procedures. Ongoing training sessions continue throughout your time with the service. The content and duration of training varies depending on the service and the role.

Retained firefighters typically need to be available for a set number of hours each week, often including some evenings and weekends. Other roles may have more flexible arrangements.

Training is provided free, and you will usually receive any necessary kit and protective equipment. Insurance coverage during training and service is typically provided by the fire service.

Contact your local fire and rescue service directly to find out what opportunities exist in your area. Each service manages its own recruitment, and vacancies open periodically rather than continuously. You can find your local service through GOV.UK or by searching online. The National Fire Chiefs Council website also provides general information about roles across UK services.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Volunteer Role Matcher lets you identifies suitable volunteer opportunities based on your skills, availability, and interests. Try it now →