HUNTSVILLE, Texas (KAUZ) – The Texas A&M Forest Service held its 4th annual Sisters in Fire event on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Sam Houston State University Bearkat Camp.
Twenty-three young women, ages 12 to 18, from 23 counties in Texas participated.
“For the fourth year, we have shown young women the camaraderie, integrity, and excitement that comes with a career in wildland firefighting and natural resource protection.Each year, we make Sisters in Fire an engaging and educational program. We try to keep it personal and fun, and incorporate new activities and experiences.I loved seeing the laughter and teamwork of the girls, who were almost strangers just a few hours ago. It’s a reminder for all of us to take a step back and appreciate the work we do every day to serve the state of Texas.”
Participants were divided into teams that day and took turns passing through the four stations. Each station introduced students to a variety of topics and skills related to the wildland firefighting profession, including how to use fire trucks, bulldozers, chainsaws, and hand tools to extinguish wildfires.
At this year’s event, Dauntless Air’s Fire Boss, an amphibious aircraft frequently used on wildfires in Texas, will create two droplets, providing critical support between aviation firefighting resources and ground crews during wildfire outbreaks. We have demonstrated excellent cooperation.
“Most people only see aircraft as part of commercial travel, but by showing young women and their families how important and unique firefighting aircraft are, we can guide them down a different path.” These participants could become the next generation of fire aviation professionals, and we will rely on them all to protect our communities in the future.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, participants put everything they learned to the test in the final event of the day, a prescribed fire suppression demonstration.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, women make up a small percentage of firefighting careers, including 5% of all firefighters, 11% of volunteer firefighters, and 12% of federal wildland firefighters.
“It’s great to not only work with other women who have careers in the outdoor field, but also to be able to teach other young women. Seeing them realize what they can do is my favorite part of this event every year.”
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