High school students suit up to learn about firefighting in London

The Future Firefighters in Training camp for young women looking to get into the profession was held this week in London, Ont.

From putting out car fires to high-rise rescues, high school students are learning what it takes to become firefighters this week.

The London Fire Department (L.F.D.) is hosting the Future Firefighters in Training (FFIT) program. This is the 10th year of the program, which accepts 22 candidates from a field of more than 50 young women, gender-diverse youth, and transgender youth.

The students learn about multiple aspects of firefighting, including fire suppression, investigations and dispatch.

When the program was launched, it was unique in Canada, according to Allison Vickerd, a senior firefighter and organizer.

“We are very proud to say we are the second program in all of Ontario. We’ve had other departments come and witness what we developed here, and they took it to their departments. So, quite a bit of flattery is going on when they take it and run with their own program.”

Among this year’s participants is Ella Husser who is entering Grade 12 at Saunders Secondary School this fall. After four days of training, she was already committed to a career in firefighting.

“I want to do a job where I help people in the future, and firefighting is big on that. It’s like teamwork, like sports are and those things. So, it’s cool. I mean, every day we’re doing a workout, I mean, my legs, wow!” she said.