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.
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
FEATURES & PROFILES
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
IN THE NEWS
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
The Modesto Fire Department and Modesto Junior College are holding their first Women’s Empowerment Camp introducing young women to the fire service
Kansas City officials approved a record settlement of lawsuits alleging discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, age and abuse
ON THE BETTER EVERY SHIFT PODCAST
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