When Jessica O’Dell became a volunteer firefighter at age 18, she regularly rolled up her jacket sleeves and pants. The unisex protective gear simply did not fit her frame. Today, the 34 year old responds to about 100 calls a year for the Hillsborough, Riverside Albert and Alma fire departments. She no longer worries about her uniform.

Manufacturers now design protective bunker gear specifically for women. This shift marks a significant step forward for fire departments across New Brunswick as they work to recruit and retain female volunteers.

According to a recent report by CBC News, women make up 16 to 18 percent of firefighters in the province. With 85 percent of New Brunswick firefighters serving as volunteers, welcoming women into the service is critical for community safety.

The Push for Proper Fit

For decades, women in the fire service wore gear purchased for men. Ill fitting equipment creates safety hazards. If a uniform is too tight or too loose, it restricts mobility and lowers performance on the job.

Scott Poupart serves as a volunteer captain in Bathurst and is the past president of the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs. He notes that proper gear is essential.

“Obviously, if you’re wearing gear that’s not fitted properly, maybe too tight or too loose, this can affect your mobility and your performance,” Poupart said.

While manufacturers now offer female specific sizes, smaller rural departments often face budget constraints. Upgrading equipment takes time and money. WorkSafeNB requires bunker gear to fit properly in sleeve length, chest girth and trouser inseam, though comfort alone is not a regulatory requirement.

Filling the Volunteer Gap

Rural fire stations rely heavily on volunteers to keep communities safe. Recruitment remains a constant challenge.

“We definitely have some recruiting and retention challenges, so the influx of female firefighters is very, very important to the fire service,” Poupart explained.

Creating a welcoming environment goes beyond providing the right boots and jackets. Fire departments must adopt policies that support women. Tracey Shields is the president of Fire Service Women Ontario and a captain with Ottawa Fire Services. She advocates for family accommodation and pregnancy policies to show women they belong in the firehouse.

Poupart highlighted that the Bathurst department recently modified duties for a pregnant female firefighter to ensure her safety while keeping her involved.

Building a Supportive Community

Representation matters. Young girls need to see women working as firefighters to know the career is an option for them.

O’Dell recently attended a conference hosted by Fire Service Women Ontario. Connecting with 200 other female firefighters helped her grow both personally and professionally. She hopes New Brunswick will establish a similar organization in the future.

To help break down gender stereotypes, O’Dell launched the Maritime Ignite Fire Academy this past summer. The one week camp introduced junior firefighters to the trade. Nine girls and 13 boys between the ages of 14 and 16 participated.

O’Dell encourages any young woman interested in firefighting to reach out to her local department.

“Just get in there and talk to them and do it,” she said. “You’re not going to have a lot of confidence at the beginning, but take that leap and do it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of New Brunswick firefighters are women?

Women currently make up 16 to 18 percent of all career and volunteer firefighters in New Brunswick.

Why is female specific bunker gear important?

Unisex or male specific gear often fits poorly on women. Gear that is too long or too loose restricts mobility and creates safety hazards during emergency responses. Female specific gear accommodates different anatomies for better performance.

Do most firefighters in New Brunswick get paid?

No. Approximately 85 percent of firefighters in New Brunswick serve as volunteers. This makes recruitment and retention critical for rural communities.

How can young people get involved in firefighting in New Brunswick?

Teens can look into local junior firefighter programs or camps like the Maritime Ignite Fire Academy. Local fire departments also welcome inquiries from anyone interested in volunteering.