Pittsburgh Girls Fire Camp Sparks Interest in Firefighting Careers
On a sweltering afternoon in August 2023, more than two dozen high school girls participated in a unique firefighting training exercise at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. Dressed in full firefighting gear, they entered a simulated maze designed to replicate the challenges faced during search-and-rescue missions. Working in teams, the girls navigated obstacles while searching for weighted dummies that represented victims of fire. This hands-on experience is part of the Bureau’s Girls Fire Camp, aimed at introducing young women to potential careers in firefighting.
The obstacle course, held in the basement of the Bureau’s training academy, serves as a critical component of the camp. According to firefighter Lisa Epps-Cuda, who founded the program in 2022, the exercises are designed to give girls a realistic view of what it takes to become a city firefighter. “They’ll know that this is what they will have to do to apply to become a firefighter,” she stated. Epps-Cuda is passionate about empowering girls and increasing diversity within the ranks of the Pittsburgh fire bureau, which currently has only seven female members among nearly 750 firefighters.
Since its inception, the camp has seen impressive growth. Initially attracting just six participants, this year’s program filled up within hours, accommodating nearly four times that number. Throughout the week, the girls engage in various activities that not only teach firefighting skills but also impart essential life skills. They learn CPR, receive Stop-the-Bleed certifications, and visit fire facilities to gain insight into the daily operations of firefighters.
The campers faced numerous challenges, including hauling weights through a window in the fire training center’s five-story tower and learning how to operate a fire hydrant. They also tested their strength on a device known as “the Punisher,” designed to simulate the physical demands of breaking down doors during emergencies. “You have to hit it back and forth in under 40 seconds,” explained camper Breanna Gusky. “If there was a forcible entry, you would have to hit it. It’s a little hard, but it really is enjoyable.”
Many participants were inspired to join the camp due to family connections to firefighting or emergency services. Others heard about the program through friends or siblings, while some were already determined to pursue a career in firefighting. Nevaeh Devine, a camper from Garfield, shared her long-standing aspiration to become a firefighter. “I’ve been talking about ‘I want to be a firefighter’ for years,” she said. “It’s just working hard and showing other girls they can work hard too.”
As fire departments face staffing shortages across the country, initiatives like the Girls Fire Camp play a vital role in attracting new talent. Instructor Katie Cohen, a volunteer with Undercliff VFC in Shaler Township, noted that many campers are already involved in volunteering or have expressed interest in pursuing opportunities within fire departments. “They can’t apply to the city yet, but getting involved in this camp helps them understand what they need to do,” she said.
The enthusiasm for firefighting often leads to newfound interests among the girls. Lizzie McCreary, another camp instructor and volunteer at Edgewood VFD, remarked on the transformative effect of the camp. “We call it ‘getting bit by the fire bug,’” she said. “They realize it’s not just big men going into burning buildings; there are so many components that draw them in.”
By providing hands-on experiences and fostering a supportive environment, the Pittsburgh Girls Fire Camp is not only preparing the next generation of firefighters but also working towards a more diverse and inclusive fire service. The impact of this program extends beyond firefighting skills, instilling confidence and determination in young women who might not have considered this career path before.
