Fire Cadets in Lancashire

Are you aged between 13-18? Want to learn important life skills and firefighting skills too?

We aim to provide young people with an insight into a uniformed service with basic firefighting skills being learnt alongside personal and social skills. We strive to deliver a quality programme that combines key operational skills with invaluable knowledge of the Fire and Rescue Service.

As a fire cadet, you will:

  • Be treated like a young firefighter.

  • Be provided with a service uniform and name badge as part of our uniformed service.

  • Attend the weekly two hour session at your local fire station.

  • Represent Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at community events.

  • Learn important skills such as team building, leadership and communication.

  • Learn self discipline, respect and consideration for others.

  • Foster inclusive values.

  • Possess a ‘can do’ attitude and always try your very best.

  • Have the opportunity to be mentored by our operational firefighters and community safety team staff.

  • Work as part of a team to build a safer and stronger Lancashire and wider community.

  • Have a real passion and genuine interest in learning about Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Where is my nearest unit?

Morecambe Community Fire Station

Westgate, Morecambe LA4 4TA – Runs every Tuesday 18:00hrs – 20:00hrs.

Fleetwood Community Fire Station

Radcliffe Road, Fleetwood, FY7 6UJ – Runs every Tuesday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

Skelmersdale Fire Station

Tanhouse Road, Skelmersdale, WN8 9NN – Runs every Tuesday 17:00 – 19:00hrs

Preston Fire Station

Blackpool Road, Preston, PR1 6US – Runs every Thursday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

Darwen Fire Station

Union Street, Darwen, BB3 0DA – Runs every Wednesday 16:30 – 18:30hrs

South Shore Fire Station

St Annes Road, Blackpool, FY4 3AP – Runs every Wednesday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

Burnley Community Fire Station

Belvedere Road, Burnley, BB10 3AA – Runs every Wednesday 18:30 – 20:30hrs

What does being a fire cadet mean?

Joining our Cadet force allows individuals to build their self-confidence and resilience whilst developing their leadership and teamwork ability. It’s also lots of fun and a great way to meet new friends whilst gaining a respected qualification that is recognised by the Fire and Rescue Service.

But don’t just take our word for it…

Being a fire cadet has helped boost my confidence and bring my personality out. The cadet leaders have helped and supported me in many positive ways."

"I am more confident around new people. The leaders have told me I can do things that at the time I thought I couldn’t do."

"Fire cadets have helped me gain more confidence and come out of my shell more. I’ve also gained new friends. The cadet leader has given me many opportunities to make me a better person and a better cadet.

Steps to becoming a fire cadet

  1. Complete a Fire Cadets application form.

  2. Once completed return your application form to the Fire Cadet Co-ordinator by email (opens a draft email) or post to Gemma McDonough, Fire Cadets, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 3LH.

  3. If your application is successful, you will be invited to an informal interview at your local fire station.

Please note: Applications open in May. As our programme is very popular and fills up quickly, early application is advised to avoid disappointment. There may be other opportunities to join the Fire Cadets programme too, so contact your local Fire Cadet unit to find out more.

The journey of a fire cadet
A sneak peak at what to expect

National Fire Cadets

National Fire Cadets vision: A world class, inclusive and progressive youth organisation, supported by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs), which inspires and empowers young people through nationally recognised community-centred programmes.

Mission: Open to all, we empower individuals to reach their full potential through a fun and progressive programme that delivers social action and skills development, contributing to safer, stronger and healthier communities.

Underlying principles

  • National brand, uniform, and logo.

  • National charter.

  • Core target age – 13 up to 18.

  • Shared vision, mission and aims.

  • Contribution to safer, stronger communities through social action.

  • Provides internal progression and recognition opportunities.

  • Route towards achievement of recognised qualifications on a modular basis.

  • Volunteer opportunities open to all.

  • Minimum programme length 12 months.

Why not volunteer with one of our Fire Cadets units?

We always welcome applications from individuals (aged 18+) who wish to volunteer to work alongside our staff with our Fire Cadet units. Please get in touch to discover what volunteer opportunities we currently have available in your area*.

Research shows that volunteering:

  • Provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

  • Can help counteract the effects of stress, anger and anxiety.

  • Provides a sense of purpose.

  • Can bring fun and fulfilment to your life.

  • Connect you to others.

  • Enhances leadership.

  • Inspires young people to make a positive contribution to society.

  • Can make you feel part of a team.

*Please note: all our volunteers are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.