Goal is to inspire females to consider fire service opportunities
In a proactive effort to address staffing challenges facing departments statewide, particularly in rural communities, a statewide event called Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota will take place at 9 a.m. on May 2 at the Merit Center in Marshall.
As senior firefighters retire, departments must recruit and retain the next generation of responders to ensure emergency medical and fire response services remain strong. Currently, women make up approximately 9% of firefighters nationwide, underscoring a significant opportunity to expand the talent pool within the fire service.
Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota aims to break down misconceptions and eliminate barriers that may prevent women from considering the fire service. While firefighting may not be the right fit for everyone, the event allows participants to explore the role firsthand and make informed decisions about serving their communities.
Jared Hively, a First Responder and Balaton firefighter and training officer, said it’s important for women to understand that they don’t have to be afraid to test the waters on becoming a firefighter. Overcoming the stigma that has been created through a male-dominant profession is no easy task, he said.
“It’s always been males in the fire service,” Hively said. “So many women are capable of doing it, they just don’t have the courage to do it, to take that first step. There are a lot of women out there just as capable as men.”
There are a few female firefighters in the area, including two in Balaton on the 20-member team, two in Garvin and one in Tracy. Hively would like to see more.
“Women can do it — they’re just as capable as men,” he said. “This event is just a way to get them over that hump. If we can get in one female this year to join a department after this event, it will be a success.”
Organizers from all 15 regions across Minnesota believe this initiative strengthens not only recruitment efforts but also collaboration across the fire service. By creating inclusive opportunities and increasing awareness, departments are working to build a resilient workforce that reflects and supports the communities they serve.
Hands-on activities locally include First Aid/CPR, car extrication, scene safety, and pumper and hose line training.
Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota is a coordinated statewide initiative designed to introduce women to careers and volunteer opportunities in the fire service. This effort brings together local departments, regional fire associations, and state fire service partners to address recruitment needs while creating a welcoming, hands-on experience for participants in all 15 regions in the state.
Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota — it’s the first time it’s been offered throughout the entire state — offers women the opportunity to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of firefighters and first responders in a supportive, engaging environment. Participants rotate through interactive stations led by female firefighters and department members, gaining realistic insight into training, teamwork, and emergency response operations.
