In October 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s South Texas Fire Zone participated in the second annual Sisters in Fire event, hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service. The event, held at the City of Abilene Fire Department Training Facility in Texas, was attended by 35 girls, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old, and traveling from 15 Texas counties.
Sisters in Fire introduces girls to a career in wildland firefighting by teaching them career paths and the connection to natural resources and cherished public lands. The event provides a hands-on experience to explore wildfire and emergency response. It is led by Texas’ top women leaders in wildland firefighting – all women who have the leadership, flexibility, and passion to share their knowledge and experience with girls interested in following in their footsteps.
Throughout the day, students at the event learned how to extinguish fires with engines and bulldozers, how to safely fell a tree, how to use hand tools to better control fire, and how to effectively communicate and carry out practical skills while participating as a member of a wildland firefighting crew. Information on hiring was also provided to participants to assist in their journey to secure a future wildland fire position.
At the end of the day, participants put their knowledge to the test while watching a prescribed fire demonstration and answering practical skills questions post-burn.
Wildland firefighting is typically a male-dominated field, historically lacking women in most positions, especially leadership roles. The Sister in Fire event aims to reach young women during their most formative years to help build confidence and encourage them to pursue a career in wildland firefighting.
Another area of focus of the Sisters in Fire program is to provide women in fire positions an opportunity to come together and share experience and knowledge. During event activities, time was reserved for open discussion to discuss leadership qualities and the possibility of burnout as fire seasons continue to lengthen. This dedication to networking and mentorship promotes success for these events and ensures continued passion and participation of those interested in wildland fire.
This event was a joint effort with Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Fire Department, Abilene Fire Department, and Texas Nature Conservancy.
