INCLUDES ACTION VIDEO | Learn how female firefighters are helping a new generation picture themselves in public-safety careers, at this unique outer East Portland ‘summer camp’ …
At the Portland Fire & Rescue Training Station 2 grounds, Portland Metro Fire Camp is underway as young women rotate through hands-on firefighting drills.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On a hot, sunny Saturday in mid-July, young women at Portland Metro Fire Camp were climbing, cutting, rappelling, and learning the demanding skills required in the firefighting profession.
The free three-day camp took place at Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Training Station 2, off NE 122nd Avenue in Parkrose. Hosted by PF&R, the program brought together more than 40 campers, ages 16 through 22, with female firefighters and other women first responders from throughout the region.
Lt. Elizabeth Thompson observes, “Being able to see yourself in that future role is really important.”
“We are at Portland Fire training grounds at Station 2 for a free three-day camp run by female firefighters for young women to experience aspects of a firefighting career,” explained Lt. Elizabeth Thompson, who is an investigator with PF&R’s Fire/Arson Investigations Unit.
An instructor teaches a camper how to run a chainsaw through thick wood, as part of a hands-on firefighting drill.
This camper rappels from the window of the “Towering Inferno” structure, as instructors stand by to guide and encourage her.
Women in firefighting guide future first-responders
“We’ve been doing this since 2009, and we have over 42 campers at camp this week,” Thompson told East Portland News.
“Firefighters from all over the region come help out, and instruct at hands-on stations like chainsaws, climbing the aerial ladder, even extrication – that’s cutting open the cars – forcible entry,” Thompson told East Portland News while the event was taking place.
See campers in action, in our exclusive video:
“They get to rappel out of a window, and learn EMS skills, wildland firefighting skills, and search and rescue.” Thompson added.
Campers learned from women who understand both the rewards and challenges of careers in fire service and emergency response.
Taking a brief break from the high-challenge drills, these campers listen as experts explain wildland firefighting.
“This is to provide young women the opportunity to get their hands on challenging tools, or conduct challenging exercises for them – uncomfortable situations – but still be supported, and be able to see that women can do this job,” Thompson observed.
“It’s challenging, hard work.”
Inside an ambulance, campers get a close-up look at emergency care as a certified paramedic shares real-life experiences.
From camp experience to public-service careers
The camp also served as a potential entry point for participants considering careers in public safety. Some campers were already preparing for a firefighting career in the near future, while others were gaining experience that could shape their longer-term goals.
Over the years, former campers have gone on to become firefighters, police officers, first responders, and health-care professionals. The camp’s value extends beyond career recruitment –it helps participants recognize they can push past boundaries they or society may have set for them. “Being able to see yourself in that future role is really important,” Thompson explained.
The camp experience isn’t complete until campers tackle the towering ladder truck’s ladder.
Portland Metro Fire Camp is now a nonprofit organization supported by individuals, companies, and public agencies. Its instructors and counselors include female firefighters, women in first-response roles – and that includes female Portland Police Bureau officers – and women with other leadership experience.
“It is a rewarding experience to be able to pass on skills and knowledge to young women that we didn’t get at this age,” Thompson reflected.
For information about the nonprofit, donate, or to investigate future camp opportunities, visit their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
