Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service - on-call firefighters recruitment

We are currently looking for new recruits for our on-call service. Please register your interest:

Register your interest in becoming an on-call firefighter on the Need More website

There are immediate vacancies at the following stations:

Find out what is an on-call firefighter

If you can answer Yes to the questions below, you could be what we are looking for in an on-call firefighter:

  • Are you 18 or over?
  • Do you live or work within 5 minutes of a fire station in Cumbria?
  • Can you provide week day cover (8am to 6pm) and weekends?
  • Can you work at heights?
  • Can you work in confined spaces?
  • Are you calm under pressure in distressing situations (eg road traffic collision)
  • Are you able to work as part of a team?
  • Are you able to develop your skills and work independently?

  • Retaining fee starting at £2,386 a year for trainee and rising up to £3,053 a year for competent firefighter providing cover of 120 hours a week. The annual retainer fee for providing cover of less than 120 hours a week is £1,789.50 for a firefighter developing their skills, rising to £2,289.75 when competent.

  • Full training in the core skills of a role as a firefighter.

  • 4 weeks paid leave a year, rising to 5 weeks of annual leave after 5 years of continual service.

  • Membership of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 is automatic for all new entrants.

Stage 1: Initial application 

You will be asked to complete an application form which is your opportunity to describe the knowledge, experience, personal skills and attributes that you have for the role of 'On-call' Firefighter.  

Stage 2: Physical tests

Initially you will be asked to complete a 'progression shuttle run assessment' or 'bleep test'. The other tests which assess an applicant's physical competence and their confidence and ability to follow instructions include: Ladder Climb, Casualty Evacuation, Ladder Lift, Enclosed Space, Equipment Assembly and Equipment Carry.  Your grip strength will also be assessed.

Videos of Cumbria Fire and Rescue physical tests 

Stage 3: Written tests

This section consists of different tests which assess an applicant's ability to process information, problem solve and work with numbers. The following are the three National Firefighter Ability (NFA) tests:

  • Understanding information
  • Situational awareness 
  • Working with numbers.

Stage 4: Interview, references and medical 

You will be asked questions relating to your knowledge, skills and attributes to determine your suitability for the role of a Firefighter.  At the interview stage, ensure you are well prepared, have done research into the Fire and Rescue Service and the post you hope to fill, turn up on time and in a presentable manner.

References will only be sent for if you are successful at interview, prior to your medical. You will need to supply one personal referee and details of your current or previous employer for references to be obtained.  Please ensure you have the referee's permission to provide their details on your application form. 


 Title  Date  Size
22/04/2021 152k
19/04/2021 358k
21/02/2019 607k
21/02/2019 70k
19/04/2021 287k
16/08/2019 1220k
19/04/2021 183k
14/12/2020 2776k

Meet on-call firefighters working in Cumbria and find out what inspired them to apply and about their commitment to their local community.

Find out more about employing on-call firefighters if you are a business or organisation.

Darran Irwin

Sue De Lima

Jonathan Hurst

Alasdair Guthrie

Jackson Kidd

Neil Aitken