Inspiring women to become firefighters, giving them a taste of the job
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) hosted a weekend camp, hoping to inspire women to want t0 join the service and show them that they can.
The women had the chance to experience different aspects of the job at Camp Inspire, from fighting fires in a controlled environment, breaking down doors and repelling down a building.
“It surprised me how easy the hose can get away from you and how much you really have to force to keep it down and keep control of it,” said Emily Riddle, a camp participant.
“The excitement and the adrenaline that comes with being in that situation and trying to figure out how to control it, that it was quite an interesting situation.”
This is the second time the camp has been offered and 20 women had the chance to participate.
“This camp is really important, to provide access to what firefighting is as a career,” said Deputy Chief Tiffany Edgecombe, with EFRS. “We understand that it’s important to have a diverse membership representing our community and we’re absolutely encouraging women to consider firefighting as a career.
“Women can come without the fear of not being able to perform the physical tasks that are expected of a firefighter, we show them that they can absolutely perform those tasks and it’s just a very welcoming environment.”
There are other camps like this in Canada, but they mostly target younger potential recruits. One of the participants at this camp came all the way from Toronto for it.
“One of our leaders actually said she became a firefighter at 37 years old and I’m 29, so I felt like I was a bit behind but that just shows me I’m not,” said Andriana Jankolovski, a camp participant. “If I had the opportunity I would definitely come out here.”
“This is targeted, really, at that group that would be considering transitioning into an application process with fire, to give them that exposure, to help open the doors and identify whether or not this is something they’d like to pursue,” said Edgecombe.
EFRS is planning to continue hosting Camp inspire in the future.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.