Female firefighters comprise approximately 9% of the firefighting workforce, facing unique challenges and opportunities for the women serving their communities. Hear from firefighters from all ranks, and learn about the insights, standards and policies helping create a more inclusive space for women.
Ruby has been assigned to Minneapolis Fire Station 7 for three months when she finally responds to her first house fire
FEATURES & PROFILES
Using this word tells every woman who serves in this beloved profession that she doesn’t belong – and signals to young girls that they shouldn’t join
50 women offered insight into how their fire departments can support their personal leadership goals
What started as a women-centered wildland fire training event has evolved into a networking and camaraderie-building international movement
Detailing the incremental change related to family leave, laws, station design, grooming, gear and leadership opportunities
A detailed look at what we know about female firefighters’ on-the-job experiences and health impacts
The U.S. fire administrator reflects on the personal challenges she faced as a woman making her way up the fire service career ladder
Biennial event offers a network of support, education and training to empower women and elevate the fire service
Five recommendations to address the evolving needs of our newest workforce
The IAFC’s comprehensive guide to hosting a fire camp is a blueprint for recruiting more women into the fire service
IN THE NEWS
Cleveland updated its physical agility test in 2020 following the government’s findings of long-standing discrimination against women in the fire department
Kokomo Division Chief Glenda Myers claims male employees, who are not certified fire investigators, are regularly sent to investigate fires
“During the moment, we didn’t notice that we were all females,” Firefighter Stover said. “We just looked at each other as our crew for the night”
“HERo Fire Camp” in Marin County offered two days of hands-on experience for young women interested in the fire service
The Sisters in Fire program allows young women to learn about wildland firefighting and test their skills in a prescribed burn
Captain Barbara Hack is suing the City of Topeka over her claim that she was passed over for promotions due to being a woman
Oakmont Assistant Borough Manager Phyllis J. Anderson said the addition of new firefighters has led to an order for more equipment
Female Baltimore County firefighters were the subject of online photo sharing and postings on a revenge porn social media site
Officials say the 2023 class of probationary firefighters reflects increasing diversity in the department
SAFER grants, youth outreach and marketing are leveraged to help FDs answer calls
An attorney for St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large said the allegations are politically motivated
Firefighter Kathryn Johnson settled into the normal life of firefighting after two World Cups and the 2016 Olympics
Michael Washington claims he was not given prior notice of his firing or an opportunity to respond to any complaints
The selected women will be trained as part of the National Park Service’s Women in Fire Program
The funds could go toward building or renovating stations, adding emission control systems, installing backup power systems and building personnel quarters
“I will miss you all terribly,” said Lt. Adrienne Walsh, who served for 27 years
Casilia Loessberg’s participation in anti-sexual-harassment training empowered her to “fully fight the mistreatment she was enduring,” her lawsuit said
Board members rejected calls by female and minority crewmembers to look outside the agency for a more diverse candidate pool
Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake worked in the fire department for 30 years
In the last 10 years, the Lexington Fire Department has more than doubled the number of women on staff to 27
Giselle Fetterman, whose husband is Senator-Elect John Fetterman, says she is excited and ready to learn
The department must implement a plan to hire more women and non-white firefighters and upgrade stations to accommodate women’s privacy
She joined the department in 2014, was named first deputy commissioner, and recently has been serving as acting commissioner
More than 30 girls received hands-on instruction and learned how to use equipment that police and fire use every day
Megan Warfield, a firefighter with Baltimore County and the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department, checked on a driver in an overturned vehicle
Lawyers for the city had warned council members the settlement could go as high as $500,000 if the offer had not been accepted
“I give 110% of myself,” said Amy Newman, who served with the Tonawanda department for about 12 years before she was injured in 2018
Eileen Parlato claims that the East Haven Fire Department has a long history of sexism and that the chief targeted her
The project allows for a restroom and showers for a female firefighter as well as expansion of living accommodations and the bunk room
ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
Better Every Shift’s resident scientist shares how the upcoming Science to the Station event helps firefighters connect with peers and experts
The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the importance of transparency and trust when stepping into a new leadership role
The San Francisco assistant chief shares tactical tips for dominating the fire so it has no chance of victory
As she steps down from the top spot in Baltimore County, Rund takes on a new, family-focused role with the NFFF
The Fairfax County (Virginia) firefighter-paramedic talks crew bonding, firefighter reproductive health, and banishing ego to create space for vulnerable conversations
The former CAL FIRE chief of fire protection shares stories from her unique path from seasonal firefighter to fire chief and beyond
It’s important to connect with your fellow firefighters, get involved in training, and avoid silos
The battalion chief explains how so much of her decision-making is rooted in the 2008 Salisbury Millworks blaze
The Indianapolis battalion chief highlights the power of company officers to quash negativity
The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining
The fire service scientist details her newest adventure, the Science Alliance, plus how to make data accessible at the station level
The co-founder of HeartFit for Duty shares the common risk factors for cardiac and cancer challenges – and the simple exercise with the greatest impact
Bassi, who serves as CEO for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, shares the power of department accreditation and personal credentials, plus ‘AI for newbies’
BOOKS BY FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS
A trailblazing memoir from Clare Frank, California’s first (and only) female chief of fire protection
Retired Captain Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers a woman’s perspective on working in this male-dominated profession
Ruby has been assigned to Minneapolis Fire Station 7 for three months when she finally responds to her first house fire
Julie, the only woman on a 20-person crew, struggles to prove her worth and find a place in the very masculine world of firefighting