Female/non-binary youth firefighting camp underway
Camp Molly is back for a second year in Thunder Bay.
The free, four-day summer firefighting camp basic training in fire suppression, first aid and rescue operations to girls and non-binary kids aged 15-18.
“They’re getting a taste of everything,” said firefighter and Camp Molly platoon leader Tyler McDougall. “Today we’re doing ladders and fire suppression. Yesterday we went up in the aerial ladder. We did some public education, which is another division of firefighting training. We’re getting a handle on some medical training. Some rope rescue as well.”
McDougall says the goal of the camp is to teach confidence, break down barriers and improve the demographics of a generally male-dominated field.
“Unfortunately there is still this idea out there that women can’t be in the fire service, EMS or police. This is important because it shows them there are women in these fields and it’s really important for them to be there,” she said. “Everyone’s been asking really great questions to the instructors. It’s a lot of fun, a lot of hard physical work, and I think they’re enjoying themselves.”
Many of the campers are looking to join the next generation of firefighters.
“Mainly I just want to help people,” said 15-year old camper Ella Nephin. “I enjoy high pressure situations where everything is chaos. This is a really fun camp.”
Scenes from day two of Camp Molly (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / June 12 2026)
Camp Molly is named after Molly Williams, the first known female firefighter and first known Black firefighter in the United States.
According to the NY Daily news, when an influenza outbreak ravaged the men of a Lower Manhattan fire crew over 200 years ago, Molly Williams answered the call of duty.
During the New York City Blizzard of 1818, Williams, a former slave, joined the men on the front lines of a fire in a calico dress and an apron. She helped pull a pumper through deep snow to reach the scene and battle the blaze. Williams’ story lives on in Dianne Ochiltree’s children’s book “Molly, By Golly!“
Camp Molly aims to carry on her legacy by inspiring other firewomen.
“Hosting Camp Molly for the second time is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, build teamwork, and develop practical skills, while being exposed to a career in the fire service and other emergency services,” said Dave Tarini, Acting Fire Chief.
“Events like this do not happen without collaboration, and I want to recognize the many personnel from several divisions across the City of Thunder Bay, whose hard work and planning make this experience possible for the next generation.”
