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On-call firefighter

We need people to join us as on-call firefighters! Our crews are made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, with different ranges of skills.

On-call firefighters are not based at a fire station. They carry a pager and respond to emergency incidents as and when they happen. They receive an annual wage to reflect the time they commit to being available plus additional payments for attending incidents and drill nights (one evening a week for two hours). 

As well as being an on-call firefighter, many also have other jobs and are able to provide evening, daytime or weekend cover. When they are on-call they may be at home, working for themselves or for a nearby company, or out in their local community (staying within a five-minute travel time of the fire station).

The role forms a vital part of today's fire and rescue service, providing emergency cover to more than 90 per cent of the UK. In Cambridgeshire, they make up more than half of the workforce and are generally located in rural communities, small towns and villages.

How do I become an on-call firefighter?

We are generally looking for people aged 18 and over, with a good level of general fitness, that can respond within five minutes to emergencies. 

If you would like to discuss anything in further detail, contact our recruitment team or visit your local fire station.

Find out where our on-call fire stations are.

Please note

Please note
We are unable to consider those applicants whose current contract of employment with another employer may require them to be moved from their normal place of work, thus affecting their ability to fulfil their contractual availability with the Service.

  • For periods of more than two weeks
  • For periods of more than four weeks in any calendar year
  • For less than one month's notice being given.

However, the Service allows for applications from candidates who serve as military reservists. Within employment, the Service requires notice of deployment at the earliest convenience to allow for planning of appliance availability. Any time taken for deployment would be granted as unpaid leave.  

More information about being an on-call firefighter in Cambridgeshire can be found by visiting the pages on the right hand side. You can also take a look at the national on-call website to watch videos and learn more about life as an on-call firefighter.