UK Fire Service Ranks & Roles
The UK Fire & Rescue Service uses a structured rank system similar to the police and military. Here is exactly what each rank does and how to identify them on the fireground.
Firefighter
No markings (or Service crest)
The core operational role. Responds to fires, RTCs, and emergencies. Community safety work. Maintains equipment.
Typical Pay (Competent)
Competent Rate: £36,226
Crew Manager
Two Bars (Silver)
In charge of a single appliance (fire engine) and its crew. Manage incidents on arrival until a higher officer attends.
Typical Pay (Competent)
Competent Rate: £38,409
Watch Manager
Two Impellers (Silver)
Leads a Watch (shift) at a station. Responsible for multiple crews, station management, and larger incidents.
Typical Pay (Competent)
Competent B Rate: £40,944
Station Manager
Three Impellers (Silver)
Manages one or more fire stations. Flexible duty system (often has an operational car). Incident Command at significant fires.
Typical Pay (Competent)
Competent B Rate: £47,305
Group Manager
One Large Impeller (Silver)
Strategic management of a group of stations or a specific department (e.g., Training, Fire Safety). Senior Incident Command.
Typical Pay (Competent)
Competent B Rate: £54,395
Area Manager
One Large Impeller + One Bar (Silver)
Strategic leadership of a large geographical area or major functional directorate. Gold Command level.
Typical Pay (Competent)
Competent B Rate: £63,229
Executive Officers (Gold Command)
Above Area Manager sits the Brigade Manager tier. These roles are responsible for corporate governance, political liaison, and the overall strategic direction of the Service.
- Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO): Director of Service Delivery or Service Support.
- Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO): Second in command.
- Chief Fire Officer (CFO): The ultimate head of the Service.
Role-Based Training & Development
Moving between ranks is not automatic. It requires passing a rigorous promotion process known as the "Gateway" or "Development" process.
Development vs. Competent Rates: When you are promoted, you typically start on a "Development" rate of pay. You must complete a development portfolio (proving your competence in the new role) to move to the higher "Competent" rate. This usually takes 12-18 months.
Operational vs. Control
It is important to note that Fire Control (the emergency dispatchers) have their own rank structure which mirrors the operational ranks but with slightly different pay scales (usually 95% of the operational equivalent).
- Firefighter (Control)
- Crew Manager (Control)
- Watch Manager (Control)
Control staff are essential to the service, coordinating resources and providing life-saving advice to callers before crews arrive.