Thunder Bay Fire Rescue hires first female firefighters in service's history

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is set to welcome six new firefighters on Saturday, and for the first time in the service's history, the new recruits include women.

Two women will be sworn in during the ceremony.

"We hope that it shows that anybody and everybody can make that standard," John Hay, Thunder Bay's fire chief told CBC News on Friday.

"There's an opportunity for anybody in the community if they want to put in the effort and the time and prepare themselves, that they can be successful in their [goal] to be a firefighter."

Hay said it's the first time a woman has been able to successfully complete all of the testing and training.

As for some of the logistics surrounding female firefighters joining a historically all-male crew, Hay said minor changes are needed at some of the older fire halls to accommodate female staff members.

He added that newer facilities in the city were constructed with female staff members in mind.

At the weekend ceremony, the fire service will also present long-term service medals to 11 of its employees.