Fire Camp Inspires Young Girls to Consider a Career in Firefighting

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services’ (MFES) held its first teen training camp, Camp Ignite. Teenaged girls, ages 15 to 19, applied to be a part of a firefighter training program that focuses on inspiring young girls to consider a career in the fire service. Those selected have the opportunity to participate in a week-long training camp, which includes:

• Dress drills
• Hydrant drills
• Hose deployment
• Ropes/rappelling
• Extinguishing a car fire
• Public education
• Fire prevention
• Aerial bucket rides and relay races

“Girls often don’t have that same natural connection to firefighting that young boys frequently embrace,” said Shelli Varela. “Because the connection isn’t there, girls generally don’t investigate a career in firefighting. With Camp Ignite, we want to show young women that firefighting isn’t just possible but could be the ideal path for them.”

“Camp Ignite is a tremendous opportunity for young women to build confidence, develop new and life-long skillsets and experience firsthand how rewarding it is to embark on a career as a firefighter,” Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said. “I want to acknowledge the remarkable leaders from Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services including Chief Tim Beckett and Captain Shelli Varela, for their leadership and commitment to mentor, inspire and encourage young women and for their ongoing efforts to build a modern, dynamic and professional fire services department made up of the best, the brightest and the bravest individuals.”