Fayette County, W.Va. — The WILD Institute will kick off its second annual Female Firefighter Camp this Friday evening, offering a weekend of hands‑on training designed specifically for women in the fire service and those interested in joining it.
Women currently make up 5–11% of firefighters nationwide, and organizers say the number is steadily rising. The camp aims to accelerate that growth by providing a supportive, skill‑focused environment tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of female firefighters.
Participants will receive instruction in forcible entry, hose handling, victim drags, ladder throws, and other physically demanding components of firefighting. The program emphasizes working smarter, using technique and leverage, and building confidence through practical experience. The camp is open to new and experienced firefighters, as well as women who simply want to challenge themselves in a new way.
This year’s instructor team includes firefighters traveling from Wisconsin, Virginia, and West Virginia, including the renowned Jan Rader, the first female fire chief of Huntington and a nationally recognized leader in emergency response. Organizers say participation has more than doubled since last year, with interest already growing in expanding the model to additional locations.
In addition to the camp, WILD Institute will host a Women of Rescue Conference on November 7, featuring speaker‑driven sessions, leadership development, and community‑building opportunities for women in emergency services.
The Female Firefighter Camp and Women of Rescue Conference are hosted by the WILD Institute, a Fayette County–based nonprofit now entering its third year. The organization provides technical rescue, outdoor industry, and first responder training across the region. A full class calendar is available at wildtraining.org/courses.
