Young women ‘learn the ropes’ – and the hoses – at ‘Fire Camp’

INCLUDES ENERGETIC ACTION VIDEO – Discover what took place during this year’s ‘Portland Metro Fire Camp’, held once again in Argay Terrace …

At the Portland Fire & Rescue “Parkrose” Station #2 training ground (it’s actually in Argay Terrace), dozens of participants attend the 16th annual Portland Metro Fire Camp.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Again this year, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Training Station #2 hosted a free two-day “firefighting camp” for 44 girls, aged 16-22, as part of their 16th annual Portland Metro Fire Camp (PMFC) on July 13 and 14.

East Portland News was invited to see the “fire campers” in action on July 13.

“This camp was started in 2009, and has since been operated and staffed by professional female firefighters – with women, and by women – for young women, with the goal of increasing their knowledge and awareness of firefighting, and other non-traditional career paths for young women, and empowering those who participate,” explained Camp Director Lt. Terra Vandewiele.

Watch these campers learn and practice the same skills that are taught to fire crews. And, you’ll hear from a one-time fire camper, who is now a professional firefighter:

This year’s camp, as in past years, was staffed by professional female firefighters from all over the greater Pacific Northwest region, Vandewiele said.

“The community involvement of women firefighters from all over the U.S. allows participants to see, ‘on a grand scale’, the opportunities in the fire service,” she enlightened.

Fire campers learn how to use Holmatro Rescue Tools to cut open a car and rescue a person trapped inside, after a traffic crash.

After disassembling this Honda, camp participants hop inside what’s left of the vehicle for a group photo.

The campers are divided into squads – giving each of the participants an opportunity for hands-on experience in the many aspects of firefighting.

During the camp tour, we saw participants:

Rope belaying out of a second-story window;
Handling a fire hose and spraying water;
Operating a chainsaw, and cutting roofing;
Climbing an aerial ladder to the top; and
Learning “vehicle extrication” with power tools.

The fire campers didn’t have time to talk to us; they were constantly engaged in these activities, going from one station to another.

Learning how to handle a high-pressure water stream is a favorite activity at the camp.

This camper learns how to use a chainsaw to safely cut into wood.

However some of the brief comments we heard in passing included, “this is great” and “I’m learning so much here” and “I never really considered this is a career, but I think this is something I could do”.

Learning how to use a rope system to escape from a second-story window is one of the more physically-challenging tasks learned at this unique summer camp.

“As you can see, this is an all-encompassing camp, and we are looking forward to introducing the campers to these skills, and we hope to see them pursing firefighting or other careers that they may not have known were available to them, in the years to come,” Vandewiele said.

To learn more about the Portland Metro Fire Camp, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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