Diversity

When asked what characteristics make a good firefighter, Dominic was quick to point out the value of diversity.

“A range of people on a watch brings a range of fresh perspectives,” he said. “We’ve got people with degrees in politics, economics – bachelor’s, master’s. We have a range of belief systems. I’m agnostic. There are two Muslims, a Protestant…and demographically we’re white, black, and everything in between.”

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) states that a diverse workforce helps bring firefighters closer to the community and fosters cooperation. Additionally, diversity offers a wide range of skills and experiences that enhance problem-solving, ultimately contributing to public safety. [1]

Out in the garage, Tom noted that several women also served in the watches and mentioned that there was an all-female fire engine crew based at Chelsea Fire Station. [2]

The LFB’s 2023-24 report states that amongst operational (frontline) firefighters, women represent 10.3% and ethnic minority staff 15.3%. Although the report shows that diversity is improving, frontline firefighting continues to face representation challenges. [3]

Dominic stressed that while personality types might differ, certain core traits remain essential: “Teamwork, resilience…there’s a basic level of certain characteristics you’ve got to have. People sacrifice a lot for this job: birthdays, time with family, everything from Christmas to Eid.”

Although the station doesn’t have a dedicated prayer room, Baran – a practising Muslim – shared that he can pray throughout the day in Dominic’s locker room, which he uses as a quiet space.

“A lot of other stations have multi-faith or community rooms,” he added. Almost on cue, Baran’s phone rang out with the call to prayer. The room smiled knowingly.

Wellbeing

Notably, none of the firefighters expressed a specific need to decompress after a shift.

Dominic said simply, “Go home, see the wife, have a shower.” He joked that he also had a goldfish he could speak to if he needed.

Ricky said that she could cuddle her parrot or talk to it after a hard day.

More seriously, Dominic added, “Some firefighters do get PTSD and need help with that.” He added that upstairs there was also a counselling room where firefighters could receive mental health support.

In a 2019 survey commissioned by the UK Fire Brigade’s Union, 60% of firefighter respondents had experienced mental health issues. The most commonly reported conditions were depression (39.3%), anxiety (39.1%), and PTSD (18.1%). [4]

A 2019 LFB report noted that 22% of sickness absences were due to mental health. Although the service was previously given an award for excellence in staff wellbeing, it is now “rebranding” its support services to improve staff awareness and engagement. [5]

I asked the firefighters whether the sound of the station’s sirens triggered an adrenaline rush and associated stress.

Ricky shrugged. “In the beginning, it did and occasionally, if you’re focused on something, it can make you jump.”

Tom chipped in, “You won’t stay permanently on adrenaline. When you start, at every call you’re like ‘oh wow, what am I going to,’ but after a while it’s not the same buzz.” 

Rather, the firefighters all reiterated that when the siren sounds, they simply focus on getting ready.

Click to view references

[1] London Fire Brigade (n.d.) Workforce diversity [online]. Available at: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/careers/workforce-diversity/

[2] Daily Mail (2021) London Fire Brigade celebrate female firefighting crew [online]. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8646357/London-Fire-Brigade-celebrate-female-fight-fighting-crew.html

[3] Tapp, A. (2024). People Services Bi-Annual Performance Report Q3–Q4 2023/24 (LFC-24-055). London Fire Brigade. https://data.london.gov.uk/download/2rqpm/14881038-eb26-453e-b956-07b586f34150/LFC-24-055%20People%20Services%20Bi-Annual%20Performance%20Report%20Q3-%20Q4%202023-2024.pdf

[4] Fire Brigades Union, 2024. Mental health emergency. Firefighter Magazine, Dec 2024–Jan 2025. Available from: https://www.fbu.org.uk/magazine/december-2024-january-2025/mental-health-emergency [Accessed 1 August 2026].

[5] London Fire Brigade. (2022, August 3). Wellbeing strategy (Report No. LFC-0737). Report by Milo Bodrozic. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/media/7011/lfc0737wellbeingstrategy-publish.pdf