Women’s Fire Academy Returns to Pasadena, Expands Opportunities in Fire and EMS Careers

This year’s program welcomes 70 women from across Southern California (Photo – cityofpasadena)

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, the Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank Fire Departments launched the return of the Women’s Fire Academy on Saturday, April 11, with the two-day program continuing through Sunday, April 12, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to careers in firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

By News Desk

Held at the Pasadena Jefferson Training Center, the two-day academy provides a hands-on introduction to the fire service. This year’s program saw substantial growth, welcoming 70 women from across Southern California, nearly double the participation from its first year.

Participants engaged in immersive, skills-based training led by firefighters and paramedics from the three departments. The academy offers firsthand experience in essential firefighting and EMS techniques, including hose handling, ladder operations, forcible entry, search and rescue, and emergency medical response. In addition to technical training, attendees receive mentorship and insight into the physical and collaborative demands of the profession.

As communities throughout Los Angeles County continue to grow and diversify, fire departments are increasingly emphasizing the importance of reflecting the populations they serve. Women remain significantly underrepresented in the fire service nationwide, a gap the Women’s Fire Academy seeks to address.

By creating accessible pathways into Fire and EMS careers, the program aims to inspire and equip more women to pursue roles in public safety, helping to build a more inclusive and representative workforce for the future.