Bring Your Fire.
Over the past decade, the number of female firefighters has increased. Statistics from the 2020 US Fire Department Profile indicated there are approximately 90,000 female firefighters in the country, equating to 9% of all firefighters. The vast majority (72,400) of these female firefighters hold volunteer positions. Over 22,316 fire chiefs are currently employed in the United States, approximately 6% are women.
Women in Fire began in 1982 as a group of less than 200 women firefighters. We’ve grown to 1,000+ members united in advocating for women leaders in the fire and emergency service industries.
Women in Fire is an organization dedicated to championing female leadership and participation within the fire and emergency services. While our focus is on women, our membership includes male firefighters of all ranks, as well as institutional supporters. Members hail from 48 states and eleven countries. Our coalition represents hundreds of individuals contributing to the fire and emergency services in various roles:
Career
Volunteer
Union officials
Urban fire departments
State or federal wildland agencies
EMT’s
Paramedics
Inspectors
Dispatchers
Fire service educators
Research scientists
From recruits to experienced officers, our membership encompasses diverse backgrounds while remaining united in its dedication to women in our profession.
Women in Fire is their voice.
Our voice is an influential one. Women in Fire actively participates in various committees and task forces within the National Fire Protection Association, contributing to the establishment of firefighter qualification standards. Additionally, we engage with advisory groups associated with the National Fire Academy and maintain collaborative relationships with organizations such as the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters and the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters.
We have partnered with research scientists to create resource products for Reproduction, Gear Fit, Health & Wellness, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI), Safety policies, Officer Development, and Firefighting Education.
Every two years, our International Conference gathers hundreds of fire service professionals, providing an environment for presenting new research, sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and gaining insights in a supportive educational atmosphere.
In alternate years, our Leadership Training Seminar focuses on officer development for women pursuing advancement in both line and administrative roles.