On Saturday our Inclusive Recruitment and Retention Manager, Lauren Orme, headed out to the forest to join the Coconino County Forest Service district office as they hosted a field training for Women in Wildland Fire.
The cohort consisted of women between the ages of 18 and 37 who are motivated by the volunteer, leadership, and career opportunities within fire management in the Southwest. In order to participate in the field day, a mandatory 40-hour basic online firefighter training course was required. The field day, online training, and successful passing of an ‘Arduous’ level Forest Service Work Capacity Test provided participants with a comprehensive certification for Type 2 Firefighters.
The content of the field day ranged from pack organization to drip torches, engines, helicopter equipment, hand tools, and fire lines. Trainees had the opportunity to practice with fire hoses, troubleshoot common problems, and discuss leadership dynamics within crews. Emphasis was placed on safety procedures and circumstances unique to women and other minorities in the field.
Many fire districts in the Southwest are short-staffed, despite the career opportunities that exist within fire management. The goal of the Women in Wildland Fire program is to create the time and space to intentionally encourage this demographic in pursuing wildland firefighting skills. After achieving their Type 2 certification, these women will be able to pursue roles in Fire Prevention, Education, Prescribed Fire, Response, and more. The Arizona Wildfire Initiative is grateful for the grit, perseverance, and skill of these women and all wildland firefighters who help keep our landscapes healthy and safe.
To learn more about the Women in Wildland Fire program, check out their website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/fire-aviation/. OR email Lauren at lauren.orme@nau.edu!
Want to find more opportunities to join the wildland fire and forestry workforce? Reach out to the AZWI Workforce Development and Education Program Manager, Marisol Holder, at marisol.holder@nau.edu!