A free firefighting camp for women and gender-diverse individuals aged 16 and older is coming to Red Deer County this August.
Ignite the Fire will take place Aug. 22 to 24 at the Red Deer County Training Centre. The weekend program will be led by Brandi Hoszouski, a lieutenant with Station 5 in Spruce View, along with several other female instructors.
Hoszouski, who has been a firefighter for five years, assisted with the first version of the camp in 2024 and is now leading it.
The goal of the camp is to offer participants an authentic experience in the fire service and help them determine if it’s a path they want to pursue.
“We've had people that didn't realize they would like it and actually were considering the future when they become 18, joining the fire service,” said Hoszouski. “It’s a great opportunity to check it out without committing.”
Hoszouski said seeing participants grow throughout the weekend is one of the most rewarding parts.
“I truly love witnessing the growth from the beginning to the final day,” she said. “The way their confidence blossoms is remarkable.”
Camp participants will learn a range of hands-on firefighting skills, including fire behaviour, attack techniques, forcible entry, vehicle extrication, confined space operations, and search and rescue.
Hoszouski joined the fire service later in life and said she wishes she’d had access to something like this when she was younger. Now, with her own daughter joining the fire department, she sees how meaningful the camp can be.
“It can be intimidating just joining,” she said. “So, I think this little camp creates a scenario for them where they're surrounded by other women and they feel safe to try it out.”
Only 15 spots are available, with some already filled.
Those interested can register by visiting the Red Deer County website.
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