At the Atlanta Fire Department’s training campus, Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks stood before a group of high school girls and female firefighters with a message that resonated far beyond the day’s agenda: leadership begins with both the mind and the heart.
Camp Ignite, a three-day overnight career exploration program for young women in grades 10 through 12, gives participants hands-on exposure to careers in firefighting and emergency medical services—fields where women remain significantly underrepresented. With the support of Chief Rod Smith and the dedicated women of AFRD, this camp allows participants to live the experience—responding to simulated service calls, conducting fire scene investigations, and learning what it means to serve under pressure.
“Programs like this show that leadership is not just about strength—it’s about service, empathy, and resilience,” said Burks. “You are seeing what it takes to protect your community, and you’re learning that you already have those qualities within you.”
Throughout the camp, participants rotated between physical fitness drills, team-building exercises, and skill-building sessions such as vehicle extrication and EMS instruction. But the highlight came during the “Who Are the Ladies of Camp Ignite?” session, where campers and female firefighters shared stories of courage, mentorship, and the power of finding their voices.
The experience exemplified the City’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for youth and empowering women in public service—core tenets of Mayor Andre Dickens’ vision of “One City with One Bright Future.”
“This is about expanding what’s possible,” Burks told the group. “Every one of you here has the potential to lead—whether that’s in a firehouse, a boardroom, or your community. Atlanta is investing in you because your future strengthens ours.”
As the sun set over Station 28, the young women of Camp Ignite didn’t just leave with new skills—they left with a sense of belonging and the belief that they could help light the way for others.
Learn more about career opportunities and youth programs through Atlanta Fire Rescue at atlantaga.gov/fire.
