Volunteers in fire and rescue are helping save lives before emergencies happen 

As organisations across the UK mark Volunteers’ Week (1-7June), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is shining a spotlight on the extraordinary contribution volunteers are making to community safety. 

Across the UK fire and rescue sector, volunteers contribute hundreds of thousands of hours each year supporting prevention work, engaging local communities and helping people stay safe from fire, road and water risks. Their contribution strengthens services, extends reach and helps protect the most vulnerable before an emergency ever occurs. 

Volunteers are a powerful force behind the wider work of fire and rescue services. They help deliver safety education, support local campaigns, work with children and young people, and build trusted relationships in communities. From community events and home safety messaging to mentoring and youth engagement, they help reduce risk, build resilience and create safer places to live. 

For many people, volunteering is also life changing. It offers a route to new skills, confidence, purpose and connection, whether someone wants to give back after retirement, support a cause close to home, or take their first steps towards a career in the sector.

NFCC Volunteer Lead, Wendy Richings, said: 

“Volunteers are one of the fire sector’s greatest strengths. They help us reach deeper into communities, build trust where it matters most and deliver the prevention work that can save lives long before an emergency happens. 

“They bring skills, passion and credibility that strengthen services and make communities safer. We are proud of the difference volunteers make every day, and we are committed to championing the vital role they play across fire and rescue.” 

The impact of volunteering can be seen in stories like Casey O’Brien’s, which demonstrate how early opportunities in the fire sector can shape futures and strengthen communities. 

Casey, 21, became the first young person from the Methil Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) to progress into a wholetime firefighter role with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after graduating in November 2025. 

After joining the scheme in 2020 as a youth volunteer (Fire Cadet), he progressed to an adult volunteer instructor developing practical skills, discipline and confidence while gaining insight into how the service works. He is now based at Lochgelly Community Fire Station and remains a volunteer instructor at YVS Methil while juggling this with his new role.  

His journey is a powerful example of how volunteering can inspire ambition, unlock potential and create a pipeline of future talent.

Casey said: 

“Being part of the scheme gave me a real insight into the Service. It confirmed that this was the path I wanted to take. I want to be someone people can look up to, a firefighter who is trusted, dependable and connected to the community.” 

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety Advocate Evelyn Taylor, Casey’s mentor, said: 

“Casey’s journey shows what volunteering can make possible. It is not just about giving time, it’s about building confidence, creating aspiration and opening doors. That is the lasting impact volunteering can have on individuals, services and communities.” 

There are volunteering opportunities across the UK fire and rescue sector for people who want to make a practical difference in their communities, including roles that support prevention, education and youth engagement. 

• Supporting community safety events and local prevention campaigns 

• Sharing fire, road and water safety advice with the public 

• Helping children and young people build confidence and life skills 

• Representing services at community venues, schools and public events 

• Supporting Fire Cadet and youth volunteer programmes that develop future talent 

As well as volunteering there are many ways to get involved with the fire sector. For more information visit: New to the sector – NFCC