Bloomfield, New Jersey, hosted a summer camp called Girls on Fire, where elementary and middle school girls participated in hands-on training to introduce them to careers in the fire service.

Empowering Young Girls

During the camp, participants navigated smoke-filled rooms, searched for potential victims, and worked through obstacle-filled scenarios that simulated challenges firefighters face on the job. Avery Cintron, a participant, said the experience gave her a new understanding of the profession.

Claudia Astudillo, a member of the Bloomfield Fire Department and one of the first women to become a Bloomfield firefighter, described the program as a meaningful opportunity to mentor young participants. The camp has continued to grow, with a $17,000 grant from the Essex County Youth Services Commission allowing organizers to expand the camp from a two-day event into a five-day immersive experience.

For participant Isabella Pitapio, the camp carries a personal connection, as she and her family survived a house fire in April 2025. Pitapio said the camp has already taught her valuable lessons, including the importance of never giving up.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.