Maple Ridge hosts Camp Ignite firefighting mentorship camp

Thirty young women from across the Lower Mainland gathered in Maple Ridge on Aug. 9 for Camp Ignite, a mentorship camp introducing participants to firefighting.

At the Justice Institute on 256 Street, students practised skills including responding to dumpster and vehicle fires, gaining entry to a building and charging a hose. They also watched a cold-start demonstration showing how a fire develops.

Maple Ridge Fire Rescue sponsored Sienna Tobley, 17, and Danika Michelsen, 18. Pitt Meadows sponsored Taya Cullen, 17.

Camp Ignite board member Katie Gordon, a Prince George career firefighter and camp volunteer since 2017, said the program helps women enter a field where they may otherwise lack mentorship. She said the camp has provided a supportive network and opportunities for younger participants to find role models.

Founded in 2010, the program has expanded into Camp Ignite, Island Ignite and Kootenay Ignite. About 100 applicants from the Lower Mainland competed for 30 spots this year. The Aug. 7–9 program included sessions with Burnaby Fire Department, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Maple Ridge. Details are available at https://campignite.com/.