Newry  firefighter explains what ignited her passion for the role                  

IN  the wake of the NIFRS launching its latest recruitment drive for On-Call Firefighters a Newry firefighter has explained  just what it is that  ignited her passion for a career in the fire service. 

Eilionior Fegan, who is based at the Newry Fire Station, has told her story in the context of it  being revealed that there are only  six female firefighters including herself out of a total roster of 82 who serve  the Newry District HQ.

 The fire district is defined as Newry, Crossmaglen,Newtownhamilton and Warrenpoint fire stations, with woman only comprising 7.32% of the total number of full time and on-call firefighters within this area.

 Whilst Eilioner, who was an exceptionally successful business woman prior to her joining the organisation aged 43, did concede the point that transitioning to a male dominated work environment did bring with is some anxiety.

As a matter of fact it is owing to the kindling administered by her colleagues that Eilioner’s   smouldering  dream of  becoming a firefighter which burned in her heart for so long was fully reignited into the  blazing inferno which saw her through her training and on to becoming a proud member of the Newry Fire Brigade.     

Dream ignited         

“ At school, I was always more drawn to sport than academics.” explained Eilionoir

“ When we had to select three potential career paths during careers guidance, the only traditional role that truly appealed to me was becoming a PE teacher.

“It wasn’t until my older sister suggested becoming a Firefighter that something truly ignited inside me.

“I first applied to the Fire Service at 18. I was completely unaware of what the process involved and, truthfully, I was under prepared - I failed the bleep test. That setback meant I needed a Plan B, so I decided to attend university to study Fire Safety.

“Life, however, took me in a different direction. I started my own business and worked for myself for 18 years. During that time, I applied again and progressed as far as the interview stage. Eventually, I began to believe it simply wasn’t meant to be.

“Then in June 2020, during the uncertainty of COVID - with businesses under pressure and having just turned 40 - I saw the recruitment campaign advertised again. I remember thinking, “This could be my last chance.”

“This time, I prepared thoroughly for every stage of the process. It truly was third time lucky. I began training in March 2023 - proof that sometimes the long road is the one that shapes you best for where you’re meant to be.

“Over the years, I had become friends with several firefighters, including a female firefighter, which gave me a realistic understanding of what the role involved.

“However, I had spent the previous 18 years working for myself in a predominantly female-dominated environment. Transitioning into a male-dominated workplace did bring some anxiety. Returning to a classroom setting at 43 years of age also felt surreal at times - but it was something I embraced rather than feared.

“There were three other female recruits on my course and a couple of female instructors, which was reassuring. That said, we had an incredible cohort of men who supported and encouraged us throughout training. That same support continued once I arrived at station.

In truth, the Fire Service environment proved to be one of teamwork, camaraderie and mutual respect.”

Standards and Care

For those who wish to learn what a career with the NIFRS truly entails the organisation would encourage any and all to attend one of their information sessions which will be held throughout the tenure of the on-call recruitment campaigns.

For Eilioner, whose initial taste of the  lifestyle began with a similar come and try day event , initiatives such as these are in her own words “invaluable” in providing insight for those who may be curious but also apprehensive regarding what role within the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service involves.          

“ Before applying, I personally wasn’t aware of the “Come and Try Days.”

“I think initiatives like these are invaluable, particularly for women who may not know anyone in the Service, who may never have picked up a power tool, or who might question whether they belong in what is often perceived as a male-dominated environment.

“Opportunities like that allow people to experience the role first-hand, ask questions, and build confidence.

“During training, we were not treated differently because we were female. Every recruit must meet the same minimum physical standards - regardless of gender. If anyone struggled physically, additional support was available through the Fitness and Wellbeing Advisor. If anyone felt overwhelmed, Line Managers were accessible, and confidential support services were available.

“The message was clear,m support exists for everyone. It is a culture built on standards, but also on care.”

Challenge and Reward 

Whilst the challenges that come with being an on-call firefighter can be as mundane as those present in any other occupation such as being  able to effectively strike a well measured work life balance,  as Eilioner explains the rewards of the role  are  also more impactful. 

  Foremost of this being you are routinely afforded the privilege of helping another person on what may be the worst day of their life.     

“ Like any on-call or shift-based role, maintaining work-life balance can be challenging - particularly for those with busy personal lives or families.

“However, having a strong support network of family and friends makes all the difference. With the right support and organisation, it is entirely possible to pursue your ambitions while maintaining balance.

“ The most rewarding aspect is knowing that you can help someone on what may be the worst day of their life.

“It is also incredibly empowering to discover what you are capable of - physically, mentally and emotionally. The role pushes you beyond perceived limits and builds resilience in ways few careers can.

Feminine qualities

Whilst ostensibly it may seem that physical strength and resilience, qualities traditionally attributed to men, are the most important characteristics to  efficiently carry out the duties of a firefighter, Eilioner elaborated how this is not the case.

Speaking from her own first hand experience, empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence, characteristics which are most traditionally affiliated with women are just as important as having a strong physical constitution.

“ Women bring tremendous strengths to the Fire Service - empathy, compassion, emotional intelligence and mental resilience. These qualities are not secondary to physical strength; they are essential to modern firefighting.

“Joining NIFRS is not solely about being operational on the run. While you complete your initial three years operationally, there are numerous pathways within the Service - including Protection, Prevention, Research and Development - many of which offer varied shift patterns that can better accommodate family life.

“For any young woman in the Newry District who is considering it: do not let self-doubt decide for you. If the ambition is there, pursue it. The Fire Service needs diverse strengths, and there is absolutely a place for you.”

If you are a man or woman who is currently considering a career as an On-Call firefighter with the NIFRS the organisation is currently in the process of carrying out its recruitment campaign.

The ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’ campaign is aimed at those who live or work within 5 minutes of their local On-Call Fire Station, who want to make a real difference in their community.

Information days will be held in each recruiting station throughout the Southern Area command.

These include Crossmaglen on Wednesday March 4 March & Wednesday March 1, Keady on Tuesday March 3 & Tuesday March 10, Newtownhamilton on Thursday March 5 and Thursday March 12 and finally Warrenpoint on Monday March 2 & Monday March 9.

Those attending the information evenings will have the opportunity to Learn more about the role of On-Call Firefighters and the commitment involved.