Firefighter CV Example & Writing Tips

Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

How to write a firefighter CV

To catch the attention of the fire brigade you’re applying for, it’s vital to write an effective CV. Here are our top tips on creating an impactful firefighter CV:

1. Start with a convincing CV summary

Your CV summary tops your CV and should immediately show your fitness for this high-responsibility role to convince recruiting managers to keep reading.

Tailor it to your level of experience and the specific type of firefighting you specialise in. Here are examples for different career stages:

Apprentice firefighter CV summary

Physically fit and highly motivated individual with a Diploma in Fire & Rescue Services, trained in structural firefighting, road traffic collisions, and first response care. Dedicated to public safety and teamwork, and ready to begin a meaningful career as a firefighter supporting local emergency services.

Experienced firefighter CV summary

Qualified firefighter with 5+ years of experience in urban and airport fire services. Skilled in fire suppression, emergency driving, and HAZMAT operations. Seeking advancement to a leadership role where I can guide new team members and contribute to fire prevention strategies.

Sub-officer CV summary

Dedicated Sub-officer with 10+ years of experience, including urban and airport response. Skilled incident commander and team leader, committed to safety, development, and wellbeing. Ready to manage a watch, meet station targets, and support LFB values through inclusive, accountable leadership.

Emergency services trainer CV summary

Former firefighter and certified trainer with experience in hazardous materials response, emergency medical aid, and firefighting vehicle operation. Now providing bespoke training for fire brigades and emergency services institutions, helping shape safe, prepared, and effective teams.

2. Tailor your CV with the right keywords

Here are some of the most common responsibilities fire services look for in would-be firefighters:

• Responding to fires, accidents, and emergency medical calls
• Driving and operating emergency vehicles
• Delivering first aid and supporting ambulance teams
• Performing search and rescue operations
• Conducting fire risk assessments and safety inspections
• Educating the public on fire prevention
• Participating in drills and fitness training
• Completing incident reports and equipment logs
• Training new team members
• Collaborating with other emergency services

And these requirements are what you’ll usually need to have to get accepted into training for a full-time firefighter role:

• Completion of fire and rescue training (e.g. Fire Service College diploma)
• Full UK driving licence (often with Category C or CE)
• EFAD (Emergency Fire Appliance Driver) qualification
• High physical fitness and stamina
• Calm, clear thinking under pressure
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• HAZMAT and emergency medical response experience
• Understanding of UK fire safety regulations
• Willingness to work unsocial hours and in dangerous environments
• Public service motivation

Use these CV words to shape its content and ensure it aligns with what your local fire brigade expects.

3. Measure your work experience with hard numbers

Fire and rescue services want evidence of your impact — so use numbers wherever you can to quantify the achievements on your CV. For example:

• Responded to an average of 120+ emergency call-outs annually, including structural fires, RTCs, and HAZMAT incidents
• Led over 30 fire safety inspections across residential and commercial properties, ensuring full compliance with UK fire regulations
• Delivered fire safety education to 500+ school pupils and local residents through community engagement events
• Trained and mentored 5 new recruits, supporting their progression through Firefighter Development Programme milestones
• Conducted 75+ home fire safety visits (HFSVs), identifying risks and installing smoke alarms in vulnerable households
• Maintained operational readiness by completing over 100 hours of practical and theoretical training annually
• Acted as Incident Commander on 15+ occasions, coordinating multi-agency responses and ensuring crew welfare
• Drove emergency appliances under EFAD protocols for 200+ incidents, ensuring timely arrival and safe navigation through traffic
• Inspected and maintained over 200 pieces of firefighting and rescue equipment, ensuring operational efficiency
• Collaborated with police and ambulance services on 50+ joint incidents, enhancing inter-agency coordination and public safety

Quantifying your work like this demonstrates evidence-based professionalism, reliability, and results.

4. Highlight relevant firefighter qualifications

Your CV should clearly show you’ve completed essential training and hold valid qualifications. Some key ones to include:

• Diploma in Fire & Rescue Services (e.g. Fire Service College)
• Emergency Fire Appliance Driver (EFAD)
• HGV Licence (Categories C or CE)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or First Aid qualifications
• Breathing Apparatus (BA) and HAZMAT training

List these qualifications in your dedicated education and certifications section so they’re easy to spot.

5. Show your commitment outside the station

Hobbies, interests, and volunteer work can reinforce your dedication and well-roundedness. For you, these relevant activities might include:

• fitness training to stay response-ready
• volunteering in fire safety awareness programmes
• outdoor activities like hiking or cycling that promote resilience
• mentoring or instructing cadets or junior firefighters

These extras show your passion for service and personal growth, which are qualities any fire brigade would value.