Project Ignite, Denver Fire Department Prepares Women For Firefighting

Denver - The Women Firefighters of Denver (WFFD) and the Denver Fire Department proudly hosted a two-day hands-on event to expose women to a career in firefighting with the Denver Fire Department.

Approximately 30 women spent Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Denver Fire Academy for Project Ignite 2026.

"Over the past five years, Project Ignite has grown into something truly special," said Denver Firefighter Paige Kolar, who serves as the president of WFFD. "Seeing so many young women eager to learn and pursue careers in the fire service-and having more women firefighters return to mentor them-is very inspiring. Many of this year's participants are already taking their next steps by applying, volunteering, and leading in their communities."

Participants worked with firefighting equipment, practiced job-related skills, learned about academy expectations, and heard direction and advice from women serving within the Denver Fire Department.

Throughout the two-day event, firefighters shared personal stories about advancing through the fire service in Denver.

"Firefighting is a big pool of a lot of things," Denver Fire Deputy Chief Kathleen Vredenburgh told participants. "That's why we need a lot of different people, particularly women, who can solve problems, approach challenges differently, and represent Denver in the very best way."

Vredenburgh, whose career has included service as a police officer, firefighter, fire investigator, training lieutenant, and now deputy chief, encouraged participants to focus on learning the job, asking for help when they need it, and refusing to back away from anything that's difficult.

"If you find yourself failing, immerse yourself in that," Deputy Chief Vredenburgh said. "Go find people who know what to do. Go find the right people who will teach you what you need to know and never step back."

Project Ignite began in 2020 to give women interested in firefighting an opportunity to experience the work before entering an academy. The program also connects participants with women already working within Denver Fire who offer advice about training, equipment, physical and mental preparation, as well as the realities of the job.

"A lot of what we're doing is giving them tools before they ever walk into an academy," said Elaine Higginbotham, a technician with the Denver Fire Department. "Some of it is physical, but a lot of it is mindset. We want them to have the confidence to know they can do this job and to go for it."

Higginbotham said that several past Project Ignite attendees have later become firefighters with the Denver Fire Department and have returned to the program as instructors.

For Deputy Chief Vredenburgh, that is part of the larger goal - getting more women into the profession and helping them see a future with the Denver Fire Department.

"I would hope that every single one of you apply," she told the class. "I want you all with Denver Fire, but if it's not with us, I at least want you in the fire service."

The Denver Fire Department will open applications for entry-level firefighter positions on November 16, 2026.

People interested in learning more about the Denver Fire Department can reach out to a recruiter using the department's Firefighter Job Interest Form.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employee resource group, Women Firefighters of Denver (WFFD)advocates for, mentors, and uplifts women serving across the Denver Fire Department. The group expressed their gratitude to the volunteers, assisting crews, and their generous sponsors for providing a space where these young women can grow and envision their future in the fire service.

The Denver Fire Department and Denver Department of Public Safety recognize the work of WFFD as well as all of the firefighters who volunteered their time to support the program.

Additional photos may be downloaded here.

Please credit the Denver Department of Public Safety when using.