BFRS is one of the very few services that works on a 24hr-on, 72hr-off shift rotation. Our Wholetime Firefighters are highly trained in responding to fires, water rescues, road traffic collisions and a variety of other incidents. All new recruits follow a comprehensive 14-week training programme which fully equips them with the specialist skills required for this role.

The role of a modern-day Firefighter is very broad based. It’s more than putting out fires and rescuing cats stuck up a tree! Our Firefighters protect the community, inspire young minds, educate people to keep them safe and excel by being a role model for future generations.

An increasing part of the Firefighters role is to encourage a safer community by preventing fires and emergencies before they happen and to make sure people understand the risks of fire and what they can do to protect themselves.

Firefighters take part in activities such as:

• Giving talks to schools;
• Visiting community groups;
• Fitting smoke detectors in homes;
• Advising homeowners on protecting their properties from fire risks;
• Working with youth and vulnerable people.

Firefighters therefore use a range of communication skills and have regular contact with all sections of the community.