WATCH: Recruiting on-call firefighters in East Sussex

Friday, 10 April 2026 10:00

By Philip Keeler X @V2RadioSussex

stock image of firefighter training

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is appealing for more people to step forward as on-call firefighters, helping to support emergency response across the county.

The service says on-call firefighters are ordinary members of the community who balance their day jobs or family life with responding to emergencies. When called, they must be ready to attend incidents at short notice, playing a vital role in keeping local communities safe.

More than 90 per cent of on-call firefighters in East Sussex carry out the role alongside other employment, with recruits coming from a wide range of backgrounds including office workers, tradespeople, farmers and those not currently in work.

The role involves attending emergencies, supporting community events and acting as ambassadors for the fire service. Full training is provided, meaning no prior experience is required.

Applicants must live or work within five minutes of their local fire station and be willing to commit to a minimum number of hours on call each week. They are also expected to attend regular training sessions and meet fitness requirements.

The on-call system forms a key part of the county’s fire cover, particularly in rural areas where it enables more fire engines to be crewed and ready to respond.

Successful applicants receive an annual retaining fee, alongside additional pay for incidents attended and training undertaken. Typical earnings range between £5,000 and £7,000 per year, depending on availability and call-outs.

For more information, go here: On-Call Firefighters | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

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