Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, in partnership with Portland Fire & Rescue, hosted the second of two Portland Metro Fire Camps at their training center in Sherwood, Friday July 15 through Sunday, July 17. Thirty-four young women between the ages of 16 and 22 attended the camp, which was led by 26 professional female firefighters from 11 different agencies across Oregon, Washington and California.

The camp’s mission is to instill confidence and build teamwork skills through hands-on firefighter training. The camp itinerary consisted of various stations and scenarios each day such as taking hydrants, hose practices, controlling nozzles, standpipe evolutions, rope operations, ladders, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, forcible entry, emergency medical skills, nutrition, physical fitness, and interview techniques.

By the time the camp wrapped up on Sunday, the 34 young women conquered tough challenges they may have never otherwise had an opportunity to experience. They learned they can do anything they put their minds to and are capable of becoming part of the next generation of firefighters. 

Agencies that joined TVF&R for the second camp included Portland Fire & Rescue, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Tacoma Fire Department, Shoreline Fire Department, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Hood River Fire & EMS, Albany Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, Lake Oswego Fire Department, and Ventura County Fire Department. 

To learn more about the Portland Metro Fire Camps, which are held annually by both fire agencies, visit www.portlandmetrofirecamp.com.