Women Applying for Jobs in the Fire Service

Only about 6,000 women in the nation work full-time in the fire service, but that number is growing.

There are many opportunities available for women interested in fire fighting.

Ava Jaeckel is happy to be part of the Fresno Fire Explorer program. She encourages other girls to explore opportunities in firefighting and not worry about comparing themselves to others.

“Just do it, just come out and try it, even if you are the last one to do, say a tower, that’s fine. You’re out here still doing it,” Jaeckel said.

Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis said there is one standard test to pass.

“We don’t make it different between a man or a woman because in the moment of crisis or emergency we all have to be able to perform at the same level,” she said.

Donis is the first woman to lead the Fresno Fire Department. She and engineer Christine Wilson are an inspiration to other young women including Jaeckel.

“I want more females to see them as role models cause they’ll help us get through and they’re great. I mean just look at them,” said Jaeckel.

In this past graduating class, there were only three women. Donis and the department are working to introduce this career choice to girls at a young age.

“We have work to do in introducing this to young women and girls and let them know, yeah I can do that. I can be taught to be a firefighter just like I can be taught to do other things,” she said.