QEM Fire Protection District Offers Women-Only Fire Training Weekend

QEM hopes IgniteHER inspires more women to join fire service.

Aug 5, 2026 4:29 PM Aug 5, 2026 4:36 PM

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ELSAH/GRAFTON - QEM Fire Protection District is offering a unique opportunity for women who are interested in fire service.

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On Sept. 25–27, 2026, women ages 16–45 can participate in the IgniteHER Fire Program, a free weekend that will allow participants to experience life as a firefighter. Participants will wear turnout gear and learn firefighting tactics while training alongside experienced firefighters.

“It builds confidence, skills, and sisterhood,” said Victoria Westfall, a firefighter with QEM. “This event is a huge event for us.”

Westfall explained that she took part in a similar event several years ago when she was joining QEM. The experience “really inspired” her.

This, coupled with her recognition that firefighting is a male-dominated field, encouraged her to bring the IgniteHER Fire Program to QEM with the help of her fellow firefighters. The QEM team — which includes two women, plus Westfall — is excited to offer such a unique and exciting opportunity to local women.

The IgniteHER Fire Program is open to residents of Jersey County and the surrounding area. Anyone who is interested needs to sign up before Aug. 20. No prior experience is necessary. Spots are limited.

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Westfall is especially hoping to bring in younger aspiring firefighters. QEM’s cadet program is open to 16-year-olds, and she hopes to welcome a few teenagers to the weekend experience.

But she emphasized that the IgniteHER Fire Program is for anyone who is interested. She encourages “fire wives” — firefighters’ partners — to consider joining the training to learn more about the service, or any women firefighters in the area who want additional training. Anyone who is interested in joining a local fire department or who just wants to enjoy a unique, confidence-building experience is invited, too.

Westfall thanked the sponsors who made it possible for QEM to offer this weekend for free. The National Memorial of Military Ascent is sponsoring, and local departments have donated old gear to be used for the training. She is thankful for those who have come together to make this possible.

She added that a few local departments have women on their teams, but the first responders in this area are mostly men. She encourages more women to get involved and consider becoming first responders. She is proud of the work she does as a female firefighter, and she wants other people to experience this same joy.

“My biggest thing is to try and get more people involved. But my biggest thing is also to have more women,” she said. “I love seeing other women in this industry.”

To register for the IgniteHER Fire Program, click here. For more information about QEM Fire Protection District, including their upcoming events or how to support them, visit their official Facebook page or their official website.