The USDA Forest Service recently hired three female "fire leaders" to mentor and train the next generation of conservation leaders.
The all-female "Wildland Fire Crew" is partnering with Clemson University, the Student Conservation Association and the Forest Service's Southern Research Station through funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The program carves out a specific space for women to train, work and learn about wildland fire together within the different ecosystems in the Appalachia, Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions,” said Megan Saylors, crew superintendent with the Forest Service. Her quote comes from an interview with Forest Service, talking about the new program.
The crew will be based out of Clemson, South Carolina, but will travel throughout the south to gain hands-on experience in prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction and fire suppression alongside the Forest Service firefighters.
The goal is so encourage more women to join in.
In early 2022, the Forest Service's workforce was 87 percent male and 13 percent female.
“This investment shows a willingness and appetite to support efforts to diversify the Forest Service fire staff for future generations," Vice President of Partnership for the Student Conservation Association Toby Bokum-Fauth told Forest Service.