Women in Wildland Firefighting Bootcamps Face Obstacles Amid DEI Cuts
Mikaela Balkind, a student at the University of Washington, found herself at a crossroads in 2018, torn between her passions for natural resource management and climate science. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, she stumbled upon a post about a women in wildland firefighting bootcamp. The idea resonated with her deeply, blending her interests in a way that felt perfect. Little did she know, this opportunity would shape her future in unexpected ways.
During two weekends in Vale, Oregon, Balkind immersed herself in rigorous training, mastering skills like constructing fire lines and utilizing various tools and equipment essential for firefighting deployments. Beyond the technical expertise, the bootcamp provided something invaluable—a supportive environment for women entering a male-dominated field where only 13 percent of firefighters are women.
Reflecting on her experience, Balkind shared, “It’s just sometimes easier to take that first step when you feel like you’re supported by your peers.” The camaraderie and mentorship she received from seasoned female firefighters during nightly fireside chats instilled confidence in her, paving the way for a successful career in wildland firefighting.
For Balkind, the bootcamp marked a turning point, propelling her towards a path she’s now passionate about. She transitioned from the bootcamp to seasonal firefighting roles and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Montana, specializing in wildland fire science. Looking back, she credits the bootcamp for reshaping her life’s trajectory and igniting a fervor for the firefighting profession.
However, the very training that transformed Balkind’s life now faces uncertainty due to a government-wide initiative to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs under the Trump administration. Despite the U.S. Forest Service website removing details about the bootcamps, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service maintain announcements with revised language, signaling a shift away from DEI-related initiatives.
Riva Duncan, vice president of Grassroots Wildland Fire, expressed concern over the defunding of DEI programs, emphasizing the detrimental impact on women in the firefighting sector. As a veteran firefighter, Duncan finds the decision to dismantle these support systems baffling and foresees setbacks in recruiting and retaining women in the profession.
While agency spokesperson Wade Muehlhof clarified that the bootcamps are currently on hold, he reassured that both men and women have access to essential wildland firefighter training. Despite claims that bootcamps are non-mandatory, Abigail Varney, a wildland fire fellow at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, underlines their role in enhancing opportunities for women in an industry plagued by historical barriers.
Varney emphasized that programs like bootcamps aim to mitigate systemic obstacles faced by underrepresented groups, rather than offering undue advantages. By fostering a more diverse workforce, the firefighting sector stands to benefit from innovative perspectives and inclusive practices, especially amidst escalating climate-related challenges.
Moreover, Varney underscored the critical role of representation in fostering community trust during fire emergencies. Diverse voices within firefighting agencies facilitate nuanced communication with affected communities, ensuring their concerns and needs are accurately addressed, thereby fortifying public relations and operational efficiency.
While women in the field are held to the same rigorous physical standards as men, including the demanding pack test, the real value of training lies in fostering a supportive network akin to what male firefighters naturally possess. These networks provide a safe space for women to navigate unique challenges such as managing menstrual hygiene in extended deployments, illustrating the importance of solidarity and shared experiences in overcoming adversity.
For Balkind and many other women, the bootcamps serve as more than just skill-building exercises—they offer a lifeline in times of crisis. Balkind’s personal experience with sexual harassment in a male-dominated crew underscored the need for female-centric support systems. Motivated by her own struggles, she initiated a bootcamp in Montana, uniting women from diverse backgrounds in a transformative training experience.
Balkind’s Montana bootcamp garnered significant success, drawing interest from the Forest Service for future collaborations. Despite the promising outlook, the looming specter of DEI cuts casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of these invaluable programs. In a climate where diversity is not just desirable but essential, the need for inclusive practices in wildland firefighting cannot be overstated.
