Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service started a recruitment campaign for on-call firefighters. The drive targets people living or working within five minutes of local stations. Applications opened across 26 stations and close on Friday, March 13, at noon.

Stations include Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Glengormley, Portrush, Portstewart, Whitehead, Armagh, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Holywood, Keady, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newtownhamilton, Portaferry, Warrenpoint, Comber, Belleek, Clogher, Dromore in Tyrone, Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Newtownstewart, Pomeroy and Carryduff.

Information evenings run at each station during the three-week campaign. Western Area Commander David Doherty stated that on-call firefighters handle the same incidents as full-time staff while managing other jobs and family duties.

Doherty called on business owners near stations to release staff for emergency calls. Candidates apply online via the NIFRS website.