A campaign to boost the number of on-call firefighters across New South Wales is set to commence with plans to build on the 2025 record recruitment of 648 firefighters.

The record intake graduating through the Fire and Rescue NSW training academy last year follows increases in recruitment since 2023 as part of ongoing efforts to restore essential services.

Investment to rebuild Fire and Rescue’s training resources has led to 219 permanent firefighters commencing in 2025, almost double the 112 recruited in 2022, along with 429 on-call fire fighters.

Fire and Rescue’s ranks are made up of permanent and on-call firefighters, depending on the firefighting needs of the community they serve.

The Become an On-Call Firefighter drive urges people to join FRNSW to help their communities and learn new skills while being paid an hourly rate to supplement their income.

(from left) Moree firefighters Jacson Warner, Jeremy Ritchie, Adam James, Mitchell Lawler and Lance Tighe at Moree Fire Station. A campaign to boost the number of on-call firefighters across New South Wales will commence soon.

Moree station officer Mark Cahill said on call firefighters play a vital role in protecting not only the communities they live and work in locally.

“They can, at times, be called upon to help in large scale emergency events statewide as well as interstate,” Mr Cahill said.

The training all staff receive is world-class and prepares them to respond and deal with a wide range of emergency incidents they may encounter.

“No two incidents are ever the same, which makes being either a career or on call firefighter an exciting challenge that gives great satisfaction in being able to help people in their time of need,” he said.

Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell,  launched the recruitment drive while inspecting the newly renovated Blacktown Fire Station, one of three stations across the state that have undergone upgrades.

Mr Dib said it can be challenging to attract new fire station recruits in some small communities.

“Which is why we are launching a campaign to encourage even more people to join Fire and Rescue NSW as an on-call firefighter,” Mr Dib said.

“We will continue to invest in the emergency services to ensure communities have the protection they need and to rebuild firefighting services.”

Mr Fewtrell said the recruitment drive is a terrific opportunity for people across the state to consider a part-time role with Fire and Rescue NSW.

“We will work around your availability and welcome you into a close-knit team. Please visit the FRNSW website for more information. We would love to have you on our team, helping to protect regional communities,” Mr Fewtrell said.