Pasadena Fire Department Hosts Free Camp for Young Women Interested in Fire Service Career

The Pasadena Fire Department is hosting a Girls’ Fire Camp this weekend to provide young women with an opportunity to learn about firefighting and explore potential career paths. The free youth program, which runs from March 11 to March 12 at 1500 East Villa Street, aims to motivate and educate girls between the ages of 14 and 18.

According to Capt. Jodi Slicker, the Fire Department was inspired by other local Fire Departments that host similar camps every year for young women. This is the Department’s first such camp.

The Pasadena Fire Department currently has nine female firefighters — holding ranks from Fire Captain, Fire Engineer, Firefighter/Paramedic to Firefighter — who want to inspire the younger generation and give them an opportunity to prepare themselves throughout high school for a career in fire service..

“The landscape has changed over the years through programs such as the Fire Camp. It allows for inspired individuals to learn firsthand what it takes to become a firefighter and what career path to take,” Capt. Slicker said.

During the Girls’ Fire Camp, participants will have the chance to learn what it’s like to be a firefighter and engage in hands-on skills training alongside a female firefighter from the Pasadena Fire Department. They will also have opportunities for team building and self-improvement through fun activities.

“The Campers will get to experience hands-on training side by side with a Pasadena firefighter. They will have the opportunity to utilize the tools and equipment we use every day on emergency calls, they will learn CPR, stop the bleed, and learn the technique on how to don our PPE (personal protective equipment) and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus),” Capt. Slicker explained.

“A highlight for the Campers will be on Sunday when they get to utilize all their training to cut apart a car for vehicle extrication. It will be simulated as people trapped in the car and the campers get to save them,” Capt. Slicker said.

The Girls’ Fire Camp is part of the Pasadena Fire Department’s ongoing effort to encourage diversity in the fire service and provide opportunities for young women to explore potential careers in firefighting.

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