Kamloops Fire Rescue, in partnership with School District No 73, prepared a hands-on firefighting training experience for 30 female grade 10–12 students, organized through the Career Development Department.

“Girls Explore Fire Rescue”, a full-day experience, encouraged students to don firefighter gear and participate at multiple workstations to learn and complete various tasks that are routinely done by fire crews, such as putting out a fire, performing a vehicle extrication, watched a first responder medical demonstration, and searching a smoke-filled structure. The day also highlighted the importance of fitness, nutrition, health, and teamwork.

“Less than 5% of the firefighter workforce in Canada is female,” said Chief Ken Uzeloc of Kamloops Fire Rescue. “We want to be a leader of change and encourage young women to consider firefighting as a rewarding career. This day of discovery is one way of leading the change.”

This is the first time that Kamloops Fire Rescue has offered this opportunity in the community, and they would like to expand the program in future years to encourage interest from youth and other underrepresented groups to pursue a career in firefighting.

Video courtesy of CFJC News