Several young women are trying their hand at fire rescue training through a local camp described as being "life-changing."
Sarnia Fire Rescue and Lambton College Fire School are hosting its second Camp FFIT (Female Firefighters In Training). The camp runs through Friday.
Sarnia Fire Public Education Officer Mike Otis said so far, the campers have learned about search and rescue, using a fire extinguisher, and auto extrication.
"It's a great opportunity to experience a potential career in firefighting and inspire some confidence, and they get to do some things that they never would do otherwise," said Otis.
Nineteen campers between the ages of 15 and 19 have signed up for this year's event. The last Camp FFIT held in 2019 included 17 young people.
Otis said they have received great feedback from campers.
"Everyone that does the experience says it's life-changing and some of them go on to fire school to become firefighters," he said. "They all seem to enjoy it."
Otis said Camp FFIT will likely run every other year.
It’s only Day 2 of @SarniaFire @LambtonCollege Camp FFIT and already the campers have be training on donning and doffing firefighting gear, hose handling, fire behaviour, first aid, fire extinguishers and a search and rescue confidence maze. They are doing amazing! More to come! pic.twitter.com/Nm19TSZxQt
— Sarnia Fire Rescue (@SarniaFire) August 9, 2022