Becoming part of a brigade

Once you’ve registered your interest in volunteering with us, we’ll match you to your local brigade. There are six steps to becoming part of a volunteer fire brigade.

Step 1: Interview

You meet with the brigade leader of your local brigade. You may be invited to attend regular training sessions as an observer.

Step 2: Online application

If you both agree you’re a good candidate for volunteering, the brigade leader will help you to complete your application.

Step 3: Background and medical checks

All volunteers must pass police vetting. Firefighters and anyone who responds to medical emergencies must pass a medical test. Operational support volunteers need to do a medical self-assessment.

Step 4: Processing

Applications take approximately 30 days for processing. We will contact you about whether your application has been successful or not, and the reasons why.

Step 5: Welcome to the team

If your application is successful you may become part of the brigade. Once accepted, we’ll issue you with a uniform and you’ll start attending regular training nights.

Depending on the brigade, wearing a uniform or attending training may be optional for brigade support volunteers.

Step 6: Training

Depending on the role, you’ll start a formal training programme. This may include formal training courses which are held locally or at our training centres and are up to a week long.