The Grande Prairie Fire Department has opened up applications for the return of their Camp F.I.R.E. initiative.
Camp F.I.R.E. (Fostering Independence, Resilience, and Empowerment) is an initiative for young women between the ages of 16 to 20, providing them with the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on specialized educational activities, including Personal Protective Equipment best practices, search and rescue operations, forcible entry, and more.
The camp aims to break down barriers and foster a supportive environment for young women while empowering participants to explore a career in emergency and fire services.
Grande Prairie Fire Chief Mark VanWerkhoven says the initiative was quite the success in 2024, and adds that he is looking forward to offering to the program for the second year in a row.
“Only 12 per cent of firefighters across Canada are women, so initiatives like Camp F.I.R.E. are an important way for us to help break down barriers and create more opportunities to introduce young women to the fire services profession,” he says.Â
Applications for Camp F.I.R.E. are open until March 28th, and young women are encouraged to apply if they are between 16 and 20 years old, demonstrate physical fitness and a positive mindset, and are ready to take on the challenge.
Officials will review all submitted applications and select 15 participants for this year’s event.
