On-call firefighters

The recruitment and selection of on-call firefighters is dependent upon you living or working within five minutes travel time of one of the service’s fire stations. We have a six-stage process:

Application – the first stage of the process is to apply online. Applications will be open from 2 February 2026 and close 2 March 2026 at 12:00 hours. 

Apply for the role by completing an application form

If you have any questions please contact our recruitment team at ffrecruitment@warwickshire.gov.uk.

Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted to discuss the job and your availability in more detail. 

Discovery sessions 2026

Join us at one of the following stations for a discovery session. Meet your potential future colleagues, learn what it’s really like to be an on-call firefighter, ask any questions you might have and discover more about the selection process and support available. 

Booking is not required for the events below.

or join us online for an information session on Monday 23 February at 7:00pm for one hour.

Awareness sessions

These are held at a fire station and gives you a chance to learn more about our recruitment process and role related tests (this is optional). 

Written assessments

This stage involves completing written assessments, on a set date and at a venue of WFRS choosing. These tests are detailed below:

• Working with numbers - this test assesses your ability to understand and work with numerical information
• Understanding information - this test assesses your ability to read and understand written information of the type you are likely to experience as a firefighter.

Role-related physical assessments

You will be required to undertake a range of physical tests to assess your fitness, strength and confidence in relation to the on-call firefighter role. These tests simulate some of the situations you may face as an on-call firefighter.  

Role-related tests can be physically demanding and we would advise you to consider your fitness at an early stage to give you the best chance of completing them successfully.

The six assessments are:

1. The Ladder Lift Assessment
2. The Ladder Climb Assessment
3. The Casualty Evacuation
4. The Equipment Carry
5. The Enclosed Space Assessment
6. The Manual Dexterity Assessment

If you are not sure whether your fitness levels are up to the level of a firefighter, do not despair!  Our 6 week workout plan includes a series of cardio and strength training exercises, using your own body weight as resistance. We also have videos which will give you an insight into each of the role related physical tests:    

• Get FireFit and Role Related Test Videos   

Values-based interview

The main purpose of the interview is to assess your general aptitude for the job and to gather examples of when and how you have used skills that are important for potential on-call firefighters.  

Pre-employment checks (such as medical, fitness, references, right to work)

The final stage of the selection process is the medical and fitness assessment. Candidates are required to attend an appointment with our occupational health advisers who will test your hearing, eyesight, BMI, blood pressure, lung function, urine and immunisation status and undertake a full clinical assessment.  

You will also undertake a fitness assessment out by our trained members of the services' Occuptaional Health Department.

The fitness assessment will comprise of one of the following:

• Chester Step Test - This is a sub-maximal test where the candidate, who has been fitted with a heart rate monitor, is asked to step on and off a 30 centimetre step, in time with an audio signal from a CD. Every two minutes the stepping rate increases, and the assessor will record the heart rate and perceived rate of exertion.
• Chester Treadmill Test -  This is also a sub-maximal test where the candidate walks on a level treadmill and the speed is gradually increased to 3.9mph (6.2km/hr) when the test will commence. This is potentially a 12-minute test walking at a constant speed of 6.2km/hr with the treadmill gradient increased by 3% every two minutes.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all our employees to share this commitment. Our roles are subject to a DBS disclosure.