Britain is set to have some hot weather this summer, and while that might be welcome news for sun worshippers, the heat and a lack of rainfall is likely to heighten the risk of further wildfires.
Worryingly, the ongoing dry spell led to a record number of wildfires across the UK during April 2025 so fire services will again be on high alert over the coming months as temperatures climb.
The work our firefighters do to bring these devastating fires under control reminds us all just how much we all rely on them to keep us safe and protect our precious natural environment.
Fire and Rescue Service firefighter numbers
Government figures, published in October 2024, show that as of March 31, 2024, England's Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) employed 30,769 full-time equivalent (FTE) firefighters. That's almost the same number as the same period the previous year (30,723) but is a decrease of 3.8% on five years ago (31,995) and a fall of 17% compared to 10 years ago (36,946).
Apprentice numbers were up during the period under review. FRSs employed 1,885 apprentices (measured by headcount) on 31 March 2024, compared to 1,791 in the previous year. Of these, 931 started within the year to March 2024, slightly down on the previous 12 months when 950 new apprentices joined.
Operational Firefighter Level 3 apprenticeship
Operational firefighters are employed with the 45 FRSs across England as well as organisations who have their own fire services such as the RAF, Airports, Ministry of Defence and those dealing with explosives and chemicals.
This apprenticeship, first approved for delivery by IfATE in 2018 and updated as recently as April 2024, takes two years to complete, not counting EPA and is eligible for funding of up to £14,000. Fire and Rescue Services from across England as well as the RAF fire service and London Heathrow were involved in creating the standard.
Eleven training providers nationally, including some colleges and county councils, offer the course. Training is delivered at the apprentice's workplace in most cases.
Skills the apprentice will learn:
Level 3 apprentices will be taught a range of skills, with much of the course content centred on working safely and effectively. They will learn how to:
- Carry out safe working practices per legal requirements
- Operate safely and effectively in emergency situations
- Operate within a command-and-control system
- Operate in hazardous environments using Breathing Apparatus
- Safely resolve incidents involving hazardous materials, such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive substances
- Safely work at height
- Safely work in, on or around water such as when undertaking rescues or extracting water for firefighting
- Extricate casualties trapped in a hazardous location and who can't easily escape due to structural damage, fire or other factors.
- Interact with and influence communities and businesses to reduce fire risks
- Take responsibility for effective performance within their role
- Support the development of their colleagues in their workplace
- Use and maintain specialist equipment
- Control and extinguish fires safely and effectively
- Communicate effectively, through listening, writing, speaking and presenting information
Given the nature of a firefighter's role, IfATE states that people applying for the apprenticeship must be able to carry out physically demanding work, at height, in enclosed spaces and outdoors, working in all weathers and environmental conditions.
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