North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed a significant increase in new on-call firefighters as efforts to strengthen emergency response capacity across York and North Yorkshire continue to deliver results.
A new report to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel highlights how the service is investing in recruitment, workforce development and employee wellbeing to ensure communities continue to receive a resilient and effective fire and rescue service.
The report shows that North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service currently employs 306 wholetime firefighters, 339 on-call firefighters, 14 volunteer firefighters and 105 support staff working to protect communities across the region.
One of the most encouraging developments is the growth in recruitment to the on-call workforce. The service has already welcomed 53 new on-call firefighters, compared to previous years intake of between 32 and 34.
The importance of a strong on-call workforce was highlighted during the Langdale and Fylingdales wildfire response, where on-call firefighters played a critical role alongside wholetime crews during one of the region's most significant emergency incidents.
The report notes the "exceptional commitment" shown by on-call personnel throughout the prolonged response and reinforces the need to continue recruiting and supporting firefighters who balance protecting their communities alongside their primary employment and family commitments.
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said
"Our firefighters and support staff play a vital role in keeping people safe, often in the most challenging circumstances.
"It's incredible to see more local people choosing to serve their communities as on-call firefighters. Their public service helps to strengthen our fire and rescue service and to ensure residents are being kept safe.
The response to the Langdale and Fylingdales wildfire showed exactly why our on-call firefighters, as well as other partners like farmers and landowners, are so important.
"Their dedication demonstrates the vital role they play in keeping York and North Yorkshire safe. That's why Mayor David Skaith and I will continue to encourage employers to support staff who want to become on call firefighters and why we're doing everything we can to support the wider welfare of all our firefighters."
The report also highlights continued investment in employee wellbeing, including occupational health support, mental fitness and resilience workshops, peer support programmes and wellbeing initiatives designed to support staff both physically and psychologically.
Independent inspectors have recognised the progress being made across the service. The most recent inspection by HMICFRS found improvements in workforce planning, skills development and leadership, with several workforce-related areas receiving higher ratings than in previous inspections.
A recent staff survey showed positive results with 91% of respondents saying they care about the future of the service and 80% reporting they are proud to work for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to recruit on-call firefighters across the county. Anyone interested in serving their community while earning additional income and gaining valuable skills is encouraged to learn more about the role and current opportunities: On-Call Firefighter - North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
