FIRST ALARM Girls+ Fire Camp

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Our mission is to reach young people who don't see anyone who looks like them in a fire engine, to show them that just because they can't see it doesn't necessarily mean they can't do this job and love it.  Because nationwide less than 5% of paid professional firefighters are women, that was our main focus when we started in 2018.  In 2022 we expanded to include non-binary youth by name, but this camp at it's heart is meant to be an inclusive, empowering experience lead by our incredible staff.  We aren't here to make everyone a firefighter- we are here to celebrate our strengths and give all participants an opportunity to push their limits and have fun.

First Alarm is primarily staffed by female and non-binary fire service personnel from all branches and divisions.  This includes Firefighters, Prevention Officers, Chiefs, PIOs, Training Officers, Probationary Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, Retired, and more.  We boast a minimum of a 1:1 camper to staff ratio.  We have the support of ancillary professions as well such as Therapy Dog Teams and Fire Spouses who happen to be very talented in administrative magic or photography for instance.

To attend a First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp as a Camper, you must be enrolled in high school or equivalent.  However, we immediately recognized the need to hold space for people who were over 18 and interested in this line of work.  Adults who are not yet hired can apply to come to camp as well and get guided hands-on time with the tools of the trade.  Of particular interest to these adults is the incredible networking opportunities these positions allow, which means anything from asking questions to scheduling ride-alongs.

Since we began running these events in 2018 we have not charged Campers or their families a dime.  That is thanks to the financial support from local fire agencies and private donors which we have been honored to have from the start.  To date we have run nine of these camps, each at a different site:  Fremont Fire (2018), Santa Clara City Fire (2019), San Francisco Fire (2019), Livermore-Pleasanton Fire (2021), Contra Costa County Fire (2022), Oakland Fire  (2022). Santa Clara County Fire (2023), the College of San Mateo (2023), and Mission College (2024).