Camp Ignite returns to Wake County this summer.
The towns of Apex, Cary and Morrisville host the free, week-long camp for high school girls who want to explore a career in firefighting. Girls ages 14 to 18 will get hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a firefighter, from hose operations and ladder work to first-aid and problem-solving.
Other WRAL Top Stories
“Our goal really is just to expose the young females that this could be an option for you,” said Courtney Butler, the community risk reduction coordinator for the town of Apex. “If you don’t see yourself in it, or don’t see it around you, how would you know?”
Butler was a firefighter herself and got off the truck to do education full-time. She said teaching the girls that this is something they can do is inspiring.
“I love to see them create these friendships and create teamwork and create leadership, and they just leave the camp so much more confident and stronger,” said Butler.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said in 2025, only 5.1% of firefighters in the United States were women. Camp Ignite hopes to change that, and since starting in 2024, it is already seeing success.
“At our very first Camp Ignite, we had a camper go through, and she is now in the Apex Fire Academy,” said Butler. “She will graduate from the Academy in November and step into a role as a firefighter with the Apex Fire Department.”
Throughout the program, the girls will hear from women leaders in the fire service. At the end of the week, there is a career fair to teach them what opportunities exist, and it culminates in a graduation celebration.
“If you are somebody who is looking to see what it's like, challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone a little bit, I promise you, you will have an amazing time, and you will learn skills for a lifetime,” said Butler.
Registration for Camp Ignite closes May 8. The camp runs from July 27 to July 31.