On-call firefighters play vital role during one of Service’s busiest periods

05/08/2026

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s dedicated on-call firefighters have played a key role in responding to incidents across the county during one of the Service’s busiest periods of the year.

Over the past week, on-call firefighters from 24 stations have supported crews at a wide range of incidents in their local communities, as well as a field fire in Peakirk, a caravan fire in March, a field fire in Whittlesey and a wildfire at Holme Fen Nature Reserve near Peterborough.

With demand on the Service increasing, many on-call firefighters made themselves available around work, family and other commitments, including summer holidays, to ensure they were ready to respond when needed.

They also provided cover in areas across the county, helping to maintain emergency response capabilities, while wholetime and neighbouring on-call crews continued to support demand for the county-wide response.

Group Commander Paul Oliver, head of the on-call group, said: “Our on-call firefighters are a vital part of the emergency response we provide to communities across Cambridgeshire, particularly during exceptionally busy periods, such as those we have experienced in recent weeks.

“They have altered personal plans, stepped up their availability and worked tirelessly to keep fire engines available and ready to respond. Their commitment, professionalism and flexibility have been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done.

“Thanks to their dedication, we have been able to maintain fire engine availability, moving resources across the county where they are needed most and continued to respond to incidents as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Cambridgeshire crews have also been supporting the response to the Dunwich Heath fire in Suffolk. On Friday and throughout the weekend, two on-call crews from the county helped with fire cover each day, giving up their time to assist colleagues and protect communities beyond county borders.
As the summer continues and the risk of fires remains high, the demand for on-call firefighters is needed more than ever.

The Service is encouraging anyone interested in a rewarding role in their community to consider becoming an on-call firefighter. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are welcome to apply. If you are aged 18 or over, have a good level of fitness and can reach your local fire station within five minutes, you could be the person the Service is looking for.

In return, on-call firefighters are paid for incidents and training and receive an annual retaining fee. They can also benefit from development opportunities, access to station gyms and a health care plan. There are also opportunities to take on additional responsibilities over time, such as driving fire engines.

Anyone who lives or works within five minutes of a fire station is encouraged to find out more by visiting the Careers section. Opportunities are available at stations across the county, with a particular need for weekday daytime availability.

For more information about becoming an on-call firefighter, visit our Careers section.