Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is hosting a number of ‘Come and Try Days’ across Northern Ireland over the coming weeks tailored to women who are interested in a career as a wholetime firefighter.

These events are aimed at those who are strong, fit, enthusiastic and have a passion for protecting the local community.

Ahead of its Wholetime Firefighter recruitment campaign launching in June 2026, these events will offer women a hands-on introduction to the role of a firefighter, provide the opportunity to learn more about the job, and hear directly from other female firefighters about their experiences.

NIFRS is continuing to build a diverse and inclusive workforce with the number of female wholetime firefighters increasing over the past five years from 4.97% to 9.56%.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is hosting a number of ‘Come and Try Days’ across Northern Ireland over the coming weeks tailored to women who are interested in a career as a Wholetime Firefighter.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is hosting a number of ‘Come and Try Days’ across Northern Ireland over the coming weeks tailored to women who are interested in a career as a Wholetime Firefighter.

Come and Try Days will be held in:

Central Fire Station (Belfast) – Sunday 7 June and Saturday 13 June
Crescent Link Fire Station (Derry/Londonderry) – Saturday 6 June
Omagh Fire Station – Sunday 14 June
Antrim Fire Station – Saturday 6 June
Armagh Fire Station – Saturday 13 June

Participants must be aged 17 and over and will have the option to attend either a morning session (10am – 12.30pm) or an afternoon session (2pm – 4.30pm) at each event.

Places are strictly limited, so to register your interest and reserve a place, please visit: Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Station Commander Nicola McSherry said: “We’re delighted to offer women across Northern Ireland the opportunity to attend one of our Come and Try Day’s if they are considering Firefighting as a career.

“These events are about building confidence, breaking down misconceptions and giving women an opportunity to ask questions and find out what is actually involved, particularly in terms of strength and fitness.

“Modern firefighting is not only about responding to operational incidents; it’s about engaging with our community, providing safety advice and helping prevent emergencies.

“I would encourage anyone interested to come along, meet our crews and find out more about a career in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.”