Climbing the ladder

Peter has been dedicated to the fire service in Wicklow for 35 years. He joined as a retained firefighter in 1990 and is now the station manager.

“A friend encouraged me to try out,” he says. “I was in construction so I was used to working at heights, and the role grew on me.”

It can start with a simple spark

House fires are a major reason for callouts. They have thankfully become less frequent in recent years due in part to safer construction methods, but risks remain – especially in older houses with traditional fireplaces and stoves. 

“We’ve responded to fires where smoke alarms had been installed but the battery ran out,” Peter says. “A smoke alarm is potentially a life-saving piece of equipment, but only if it’s working.” 

Firefighters recommend you have your chimney swept often, and always make sure your smoke alarm is working. 

In a typical year, Rathdrum responds to anywhere from 100 to 150 emergency calls. Some parts of Wicklow can be busy, particularly in hot summers when gorse fires occur. 

There is more to the role than putting out fires

Fire crews also respond to other emergencies like road traffic collisions, floods, and incidents involving hazardous materials. It’s a broad role, going well beyond callouts.

They also work in the community to raise awareness and prevent emergencies from happening in the first place. Members of Peter’s team often visit schools to teach fire safety to children. “They’re always really interested,” he says. “We even give them homework, and they enjoy it. It’s very worthwhile.”

Joining fire services

A national recruitment campaign for retained firefighters is currently underway. You can learn more about what the role involves at FireIreland.ie. Firefighter jobs are also listed at LocalGovernmentJobs.ie.

Retained firefighters are well trained and ready to respond when needed. New recruits go through a structured training programme, including working safely at heights, using breathing apparatus, and operating in low-visibility or confined spaces. All firefighters are trained in basic emergency medicine, including CPR and cardiac response. Continuous training is also provided to help you grow in the role.

Fire safety advice

It doesn’t take a lot to start a fire.

• Test your smoke alarm regularly and replace the battery when needed
• Don’t leave electrical devices to charge unattended
• Don’t overload sockets
• Keep internal doors closed while you sleep. This slows down the spread of fire and can help preserve your exit routes.
• Don’t run your clothes dryer overnight. They can overheat and start a fire.

Resources

• Learn more about emergency services provided by local authorities on the LocalGov.ie emergency services information page.
• Find out more about what the role of the firefighter involved on FireIreland.ie
• Firefighter vacancies in local authorities are also advertised on LocalGovernmentJobs.ie

In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the fire service.