The role of the Fire Service has changed considerably over the last few years and the role of the Firefighter within the community has adapted to reflect the new demands faced by a modern Fire and Rescue Service.

The modern Firefighter still fulfils the traditional role of dealing with fires in all types of premises and also responds to a variety of Special Service Calls, including entrapment of persons at road traffic collisions, chemical emergencies, flooding and other natural disasters.  However, the modern Firefighter is also able to switch from this reactive role to a more preventative role involving educating our communities in both fire and road safety.

Firefighters need to be able to communicate with all groups within the community but especially those ‘at risk’ groups such as the elderly and school children.  This is done through presentations, talks and demonstrations both at schools and community groups.  Firefighters also visit people in their homes to talk about how they can plan, avoid and survive a fire.  This will often involve a ‘Home Fire Safety Check’ and fitting of smoke alarms to ensure their safety.

Society is also changing and becoming more culturally diverse.  It is important that the Fire Service understands and represents the community it serves.  The modern Firefighting team needs to represent all aspects of society and as such the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service welcomes applicants from all areas of the community.

• Terms and Conditions of Service – Wholetime Firefighters


The 2012 Recruitment Campaign for Wholetime Firefighters is now closed.

If you are interested in the role of Wholetime Firefighter but have not applied to be part of this process, you are advised that the next opportunity to compete will be in 2014 depending on business needs at this time.

Candidates who are part of the 2012 process may wish to refer to the Information Booklet, Timetable of Assessments, Preparatory Fitness Programme and Standards of Appearance document on the right hand side of this page.