Program promotes teamwork, understanding the fire service, and roles of women in firefighting
On Monday, February 10, 2025, at the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting, City of St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles announced Spark the Flame, the department’s free empowerment firefighting camp for girls will return for its sophomore year, April 18 – 19, 2025.
In 2024, the program was wildly popular and hosted 50 campers in two days, spanning the ages of 11 to 15 years old. This year, with some fine-tuning, the department expects another successful event.
“The response from the public and attendees from last year’s camp was overwhelmingly positive and we are thrilled to bring it back with a twist,” Chief Carlos Avilés announced. “This year, we are opening the second day to high schoolers, expanding the program to our older students who may be starting to think about what careers are out there for them.”
Abby Pedigo, the City’s Fire Marshal, is also a firefighter with the St. Augustine Fire Department and one of the event organizers. Pedigo commented, “We are extremely proud of the success of last year’s program and can’t wait to see the impact of the program as it reaches the older 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.
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. St. Augustine Fire Department is coordinating the camp with local community partners to provide free lunch, complementary t-shirts, and a souvenir tote bag.
Spark the Flame camp applications are available on the City Fire Department’s website and will be accepted through Friday, February 28, or until both days of camp are booked. Space in the camp is based on school age for each day with Friday, April 18 open to middle school students, grades 6, 7, and 8; and Saturday, April 19 open to high school students, grades 9 – 12.
COMPLETE/DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION
Applications for campers will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Registration will close on Friday, February 28, or when both camps are filled. Campers will be notified by Friday, March 7, if they are scheduled to attend. Email your completed application to cityfire@citystaug.com or deliver in person to St. Augustine Fire Department Station 1, 101 Malaga St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
For additional information about Spark the Flame, visit www.CityStAug.com/SparkTheFlame or call 904.825.1098.
For media inquiries, contact Melissa Wissel, Communications Director, at 904.293.3307.
