Celebrating Women’s History Month With Female Firefighter Facts
As we round out this Women’s History Month, we thought it would be a great idea to share a bit about the history of women in firefighting. Can you pass this quiz?
Women in Firefighting – A History Quiz
- How long have women been in firefighting?
Would you believe that it’s been nearly 200 years since the first female firefighter got started? Molly Williams, a slave in New York City, became a member of her local department — Oceanus Engine Company #11 — in 1815.
- When was the first all-female fire brigade established?
Again, this date is a bit surprising, but Girton Ladies’ College in England had an all-women’s fire brigade from 1878 to 1932. There were also all-female companies in the early 1900s in Maryland and California.
- Who was the first woman officially recognized as a firefighter, and in which state did this happen?
Emma Vernell was the first woman, and she was 50 years old when it happened! Her husband died in the line of duty, which led her to join Westside Hose Company #1. It wasn’t until 10 years later that we saw the next female in New Jersey begin work as a volunteer firefighter. Her name was Augusta Chasans.
- What did firefighting look like in the United States during World War II?
At home during the war, many women joined the volunteer fire service since so many men had been called to fight. In Illinois, there were two military fire departments staffed completely by women!
- When did it start to become more common for women to become volunteer fire fighters and work alongside men?
The United States saw a shift in mentality beginning in the 1970s. Prior to this, there were a number of all-female fire brigades, but they did not mix with the men’s departments. By the 70s, the all-female companies began to fade, and it was more common for women to join the ranks of regular volunteer fire departments and work alongside men.
- Who was the first female to be paid as a firefighter?
Sandra Forcier became the first paid female in 1973. Her title was Public Safety Officer, which was a combination police officer and firefighter. She worked for the City of Winston-Salem in North Carolina and retired as a Battalion Chief in 2004.
- How many female firefighters and fire officers are there now in the United States?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2018, 8% (93,700) of all firefighters were female. Among career firefighters, 4% (15,200) were female, and among volunteers, 11% (78,500) were female.
This month, we offer an extra salute to all-female volunteer and career firefighters, and especially to our own outstanding OWLVFD female members. Thank you all for your service and dedication!
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in the United States, with almost 300 members. OWL VFD provides fire suppression, EMS care and rescue services to 80,000 residents in our 27-square-mile area through the operation of three fire stations. OWL volunteer firefighters and EMT’s work the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift, five days a week, plus 24/7 holidays and weekends. For more information on OWL VFD, become a fan on our Facebook page here.