NIFRS Come and Try days for Women – Belfast – 13/06/2026 – AM

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Firefighter?

Are you looking for a career that makes a difference to our community?

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) serves the entire community of Northern Ireland with a proud tradition and history of serving the community with distinction. As an equal opportunity employer NIFRS are committed to having a workforce reflective of the community we serve.

9.56% of our Wholetime Firefighters are female, do you have what it takes to help us better represent the community we serve?

As part of our Positive Action Campaign, highlighted in our Equality Action Plan, we wish to increase the number of female Firefighters working for NIFRS. We are therefore inviting women (over 17 years of age) to “Come & Try” what it takes to be a Firefighter with NIFRS on:

• Saturday 13th June 2026 at Central Fire Station, 6 Bankmore Street, Belfast, BT7 1AQ from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.

The primary aim is to raise awareness among women who are currently an under represented group within our Fire Service. The purpose of women only sessions is to dispel some of the misconceptions women may have about perceived limitations, and to help people realise their ambition to begin a firefighting career.

It should be emphasised that the women only sessions are not a means of fast tracking women through the recruitment process. Roles within NIFRS will still be awarded on merit and ability rather than gender or race.

On the day you will get to you’ll hear first-hand what the job involves and get the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the role.

If you think you have what it takes to be a Firefighter and want to find out more why not book your ticket today. There are 60 places per session available and places will be booked on a first come first served basis.

On the day:

• Under 18’s: Please note whilst the minimum age to attend this event is 17, if you are under 18 you will be required to complete a parent/guardian consent form and bring this along with you to the event . Alternatively you may be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 to the event (Please note they will not require a ticket to attend with you)

• Parking: Please note as Central Fire Station is an operational Fire Station there will be NO PARKING available in front of the Fire Station to ensure the area remains clear for appliances to be deployed. Paid public car park’s are however available nearby to the front and rear of Central Fire Station which can be accessed via Ormeau Avenue or Howard Street South.

• What to wear: There will be some physical activity during your visit so please wear comfortable training gear, to fully cover your elbows and knees, and trainers. There will also be some outdoor activity so please bring appropriate clothing, i.e. waterproof coat or sunscreen. Shorts and any clothing with emblems i.e. football tops must NOT be worn.

• What to bring: Please bring along original photographic proof of identification (i.e. current and valid Driving Licence or Passport). It is also recommended that you bring a bottle of water with you.

Info: An introduction to the session along with a Health and Safety briefing before groups are split to rotate around the event.

Info: A discussion about the fitness levels required to be a Firefighter and an opportunity to see some of the equipment used.

Info: A demonstration of Breathing Apparatus (BA Sets) being used by a Firefighter.

Info: An opportunity to look around a Fire Appliance and the equipment carried on board including hose reels and Road Traffic Collision equipment.

Info: A demonstration of a Casualty Evacuation and attendees will get the opportunity to get a feel for the weights of manikins involved.

Info: A demonstration of the hoses used on appliances and for attendees to try the weight of / rolling out hoses.

Info: An opportunity to ask any questions regarding the role of a Firefighter not addressed during the session.

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