Program promotes teamwork, understanding the fire service, and roles of women in firefighting

On Monday, April 8, 2024, at the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting, City of St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles announced Spark the Flame, the department’s first ever free empowerment firefighting camp for girls. The camp's objective is to provide young girls with an understanding of the fire service, promote discussions about women's roles in firefighting, foster confidence, teamwork skills, and inspire and empower its participants. 

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a range of physical challenges that are specifically designed to simulate real-life firefighting scenarios. This includes learning how to handle and control a fire hose, operate a nozzle to control water flow, search and rescue exercises, and climbing and rappelling techniques. They will also learn about essential firefighting skills, such as ventilation and forcible entry, and get to practice these skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

The camp also offers physical training, led by a team of female firefighters, which is an essential component of the firefighting profession. This will help them build strength and endurance, which are critical for performing the physically demanding tasks of firefighting.  

“Spark the Flame is committed to nurturing the self-confidence of the young girls who attend the camp. Our aim is to provide an environment that empowers them to realize their full potential and encourages them to be the best version of themselves, both during their time at camp and beyond,” Chief Aviles stated.  

Hannah Riederich is a firefighter with the St. Augustine Fire Department and is one of the event organizers.  She shared, “We believe that by inspiring and setting positive examples for young girls, we can help shape the trajectory of their lives in a positive direction.  Our hope is that by providing this opportunity to young girls in our community, they all have the chance to reach their full potential.”

Camp counselors and team leaders will be comprised of local, regional, and statewide volunteer female firefighters.  Spark the Flame is a free event for all who attend.  

Aviles concluded, “St. Augustine Fire Department is coordinating this camp with local community partnerships to ensure that all girls, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to this transformative experience.”

Spark the Flame camp registration is open on Saturday, April 13, at 8:00am at the Main Station, located at 101 Malaga Street.  Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Camp will be held on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

Download and complete the Fire Camp Application and bring it to the registration on Saturday, April 13.

For additional information about Spark the Flame, contact St. Augustine Fire Department at 904.825.1098.