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.
Ill-fitting PPE undermines rescue operations and sends female firefighters a dangerous message about belonging
FEATURES & PROFILES
Personal reflections on diagnosis, support systems, treatment, recovery and the path ahead
As a woman in the fire service, I am so grateful for my extended family and this group of role models for my son
A third-generation firefighter’s story of finding her passion in a male-dominated industry
The crew’s wealth of experience and dedication set a high bar in an environment where all-women crews were often scrutinized
Jayla Huelskamp became the first woman to win the Firefighting Skills event at SkillsUSA, inspiring her peers and paving the way for others to follow
Tonya Hoover led from the top of the fire service. Her daughter, Alexandria Pecia, is now forging her own way in law enforcement
Common themes related to belonging and identity emerge from interviews with female firefighters
Areas of focus included reproductive health, hydration, fitness and optimal performance
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
IN THE NEWS
A falling tree struck the seasonal firefighter on the Tinker Bugs fire in the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests
The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the power of teamwork, accountability and raising up the next generation of leaders
Alpena Firefighter/Paramedic Abby Smith is one of only a handful of women riding rough stock in Michigan
Told by a teacher that firefighting was “not for girls,” Chief of Fire Investigations Jamie Sypniewicz now leads Las Vegas’ bomb squad and fire investigations
Dallas Assistant Fire Chief Lauren Johnson has been named the next chief of Portland Fire & Rescue, becoming only the third woman and third external hire to lead the department
Balancing high school, soccer and firefighter training, 17-year-old Lydia Kendziorski joined Beaver Township Fire as a cadet
After a four-year hiatus, the FDNY’s iconic fundraising calendar is back, featuring 25 of the department’s fittest first responders
High school girls in Jackson County will get hands-on experience in fire, EMS and police careers
Led by Chief Brian Moya, the department’s streamlined lateral hiring process is bringing in trained firefighters and helping reduce staffing gaps
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Bureau of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion faces major cutbacks as Mayor Karen Bass proposes folding it into another division amid political pressure and budget cuts
A hidden spy camera disguised as a phone charger was discovered in the bunkroom of an El Cajon fire station, leaving female EMS personnel feeling violated and unsafe
Ann Arbor’s new firehouse will be named after Firefighter Mindy Kerr, honoring her legacy as a pioneer while embracing sustainable design
Warrens Firefighter Lori Boelkes became ill while driving home after responding to a motor vehicle crash
Sharon McDonough, a 34-year veteran of Tucson’s Fire Department, rose through the ranks and leds key public safety initiative
After securing workers’ compensation for breast, cervical and other cancers linked to hazardous exposures, firefighters fear the Trump administration may roll back protections by removing coverage details
On his first day, President Trump ordered federal agencies to end all “equity-related” grants and contracts, later mandating contractors to certify they don’t promote DEI
A long-running bootcamp for women has been put on hold due to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning DEI programs in the federal government
Grant County firefighters CW and Emily Forrest understand what it is like to be the spouse of a first responder
Battalion Chief Fitzsimmons joined the FDNY and was assigned to Engine 289 in Queens, just four months before the 9/11 terror attacks
The firefighter’s lawsuit also alleges that Hamilton Township officials mishandled her complaints and still lack door locks in bathrooms and changing areas in firehouses used by women
Two Carbondale firefighters created a skills weekend to introduce young girls to the fire and EMS service
In 2021, a Civil Service Commission ruling ordered the Meuthen Fire Department to promote Captain Tracy Blanchette after finding the existence of gender bias
Jackson Firefighter Annie Wallen faced pornography, penis-measuring contests and someone allegedly urinating on her bed
Portland Fire & Rescue Captain Erica Nelson’s past adventures include biking around the Baltic Sea and a dogsledding excursion in Sweden
Duck, N.C. Fire Chief Donna Black brings over 27 years of service in both paid and volunteer departments to the position
Fire Chief Valerie Frausto was one of only three women in her academy class over 24 years ago
Firefighter Katie Remley crawled through superheated smoke to rescue a father and daughter trapped in a Lancaster Township blaze
Participants in the Future Fire Academy receive accredited training to fight wildfires
The Texas A&M Forest Service camp gave young women from several counties hands-on lessons related to wildland firefighting
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