Durham girls train as firefighters during week-long summer camp

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A group of girls in Durham is training to become the next generation of firefighters.

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The Durham Fire Department is hosting a week-long Bull City Blazers Camp for young women. They’re working side by side with the department’s members to defy stereotypes and gain experience in basic firefighting techniques.

Like most, the majority of the Durham Fire Department is made up of men. But children like Bree Williams could help turn the tide. Her brother works at Station 1 downtown.

“You shouldn’t say ‘oh, you can’t be a firefighter because you’re a woman,’” Williams, now a camp counselor, said. “‘You have to go work at a desk.’ We should be able to do what we want to and help as we please.”

Right now, the girls are running drills, taking courses, and going on tours around the city’s fire stations.

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“They’ve got a few years until they would be ready for the fire service, but I’m hoping that this and the rest of the week is getting them a little excited and interested in the fire service for the future,” Bull City Blazers Camp Leader Korri Parks said.

According to fire officials, nearly five percent of Durham’s department is currently made up of women.

“We’re just trying to get the girls comfortable and just to let them know that you can do anything that a man can do, and that if you want to be a firefighter, you can be a firefighter,” Parks said.

Pretty soon, these girls could be responsible for saving lives in the Bull City.

“We want to make sure that all genders have the chance to do something that they want to do,” Williams said. “If they want to help people and put out fires, they should be able to.”

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