The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published a National On Call Research Study examining the long term sustainability of the on call duty system across the UK and Crown Dependencies.
On call firefighters remain vital to UK fire cover
On call firefighters, also known as retained firefighters, balance emergency response duties alongside other employment and remain within close distance of their station during agreed hours.
The system covers around 90% of the UK landmass and provides much of the fire cover in rural and lower risk areas.
The study drew on information from fire and rescue services across the UK, responses from more than 1,600 on call firefighters, case studies from all four nations, and comparisons with international and UK sectors.
It concluded that while the system remains essential to public safety, falling firefighter numbers, recruitment and retention challenges, and training demands designed around whole time standards are placing increasing pressure on long term resilience.
Recommendations for reform and sector collaboration
The review was carried out by Exact Consultant Ltd and supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The report outlines a range of options for change, from local improvements to wider sector reform. NFCC stated it has already begun work to progress recommendations within its remit and will continue working with fire and rescue services to assess what changes are practical at local level.
Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chairman, said: “The on‑call duty system has served communities across the UK for generations, made possible by the commitment, skill and professionalism of on‑call firefighters who balance public service with their lives beyond the fire and rescue station.
“It remains a cost‑effective, community‑rooted model of fire cover. The findings of this study are clear about the pressures the system now faces, and about the need for co‑ordinated action.
“Our focus must be on working alongside fire and rescue services, government, representative bodies and on‑call firefighters themselves, recognising their unique contribution, so the system continues to protect the public it serves.”
Steve Healey, NFCC National On-Call Lead and Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I want to thank every firefighter, leader and stakeholder who contributed to this research.
“Their honesty has shaped a study that reflects the reality of on-call work today, particularly in rural areas.
“There is no single fix, and meaningful progress will take time, but the evidence base for change is now stronger than it has ever been.”
