FIRST ALARM Girls+ Fire Camp
Our Mission
Our Audience
Our Mission
Our mission is to reach young people who may not have seen someone who looks like them on a fire engine. Our goal is to show them that they can have a career in the fire service and love it! Since nationwide less than 5% of paid professional firefighters are women, our organization is making efforts to increase the number of women and non
Our mission is to reach young people who may not have seen someone who looks like them on a fire engine. Our goal is to show them that they can have a career in the fire service and love it! Since nationwide less than 5% of paid professional firefighters are women, our organization is making efforts to increase the number of women and non-binary individuals in the field. This camp at its heart is meant to be an inclusive, empowering experience lead by our incredible staff. The goal is not to make everyone a firefighter, but to celebrate our strengths and give all participants an opportunity to push their limits and have fun.
Our Staff
Our Audience
Our Mission
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, firefighters and more. We boast a minimum of a 1:1 camper to sta
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, firefighters and more. We boast a minimum of a 1:1 camper to staff ratio. We have the support of ancillary organizations as well such as therapy dog teams and fire spouses who have skills sets that contribute to the camps' success.
Our Audience
Our Audience
Our Audience
To attend a First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp as a camper, you must be enrolled in high school or equivalent. However, we recognize the need to hold space for people who are over 18 and interested in a career in the fire service. Adults who have not been hired in the fire service yet can sign up to come to camp as staff members and get guid
To attend a First Alarm Girls+ Fire Camp as a camper, you must be enrolled in high school or equivalent. However, we recognize the need to hold space for people who are over 18 and interested in a career in the fire service. Adults who have not been hired in the fire service yet can sign up to come to camp as staff members 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, providing everything from asking questions to scheduling ride-alongs.
Our History
Our Audience
Our Audience
Since we began offering these events in 2018 we have been able to offer them for free That is thanks to the donations from local fire agencies, firefighter unions, grants and private donors. The Las Positas Camp will be our tenth. Previously we have offered nine camps, each at a different site: Fremont Fire (2018), Santa Clara City Fir
Since we began offering these events in 2018 we have been able to offer them for free That is thanks to the donations from local fire agencies, firefighter unions, grants and private donors. The Las Positas Camp will be our tenth. Previously we have offered nine 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).
What will you do at Camp?
Extinguishers
Forcible Entry
Extinguishers
How to extinguish live fire with a fire extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. principle and discuss fire safety for yourself and your family.
Power Tools
Forcible Entry
Extinguishers
Learn how to start and use chainsaws, rotary saws, and other metal cutting tools ("Jaws of Life").
Forcible Entry
Forcible Entry
Forcible Entry
Cut the bars off security windows with a circular saw and force a standard inward- or outward swinging door using "the Irons."
Aerial Ladder
Ground Ladders
Forcible Entry
Ever been to the top of a 100-foot ladder? Here, let us hold the camera for you... You're gonna probably want to hold on.
Ground Ladders
Ground Ladders
Ground Ladders
Work with 14' and 24' ground ladders.
SCBA
Ground Ladders
Ground Ladders
Self-contained breathing apparatus. See firsthand how much it weighs. Beat your Instructor's time!
Turnout Gear
CPR-certification
CPR-certification
NFPA says firefighters should be dressed and on the way to a fire in less than 2 minutes. Can you make that standard?
CPR-certification
CPR-certification
CPR-certification
Walk away with an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR card if you can learn Adult CPR/AED/choking. Card is good for two years. If there is time we will go over an abbreviated Stop the Bleed class as well (don't worry, we have gloves for you).
Hoselines
CPR-certification
Hoselines
Learn the techniques for advancing charged hoselines while flowing water.
Wildland
Ventilation
Hoselines
Practice several wildland firefighting skills including seeing how quickly you can deploy your fire shelter.
Ventilation
Ventilation
Ventilation
Practice cutting a hole to properly ventilate a fire using a fire axe and a chainsaw.
P.T.
Ventilation
Ventilation
Physical fitness is key to being an effective firefighter. Learn key components for your training routine.
Mechanical Reasoning
Fire Service Career Paths
Fire Service Career Paths
Mechanical aptitude is a very helpful tool in the fire servcie. Learn about gear ratios, ropes and pulleys, levers and fulcrums, etc. Let's geek out a bit!
Fire Service Career Paths
Fire Service Career Paths
Fire Service Career Paths
Suppression, Administration, Prevention, Communications/Dispatch, Operations... What do they do and how can you get there? Learn some steps to pursue a career in the fire service.