The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) wants more women pulling hoses, running medical calls and climbing the ranks. The department is hosting two free Women in Fire Service information sessions in September and October, with 85 spots available per session.

The first session runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. The second runs the same hours on Oct. 10. Both are free, and registration is first-come, first-served through the city's job portal.

Each session opens with a panel Q&A featuring women leaders from TFD and the City of Tacoma. Topics include the hiring process, salaries, benefits and career advancement. The city's event listing describes the sessions as a chance to ask questions participants "might otherwise be hesitant to ask" about being a woman in the fire service.

After the panel, attendees rotate through hands-on stations run by the department. Activities include pulling hoses, practicing emergency medical services skills and handling firefighting equipment.

The sessions come under the leadership of Fire Chief Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima, who was appointed in April 2025. She served as a firefighter, paramedic, lieutenant, captain, medical services officer and assistant chief before taking the top job, according to the department's official page. The page states she is motivated by representing her family, Pacific Islanders and women in the fire service.

Women have held prominent roles in TFD before. A 2020 News Tribune editorial noted that Tacoma's Fire Station No. 10 gained national recognition for fielding one of the first all-female firefighting crews in the country. The crew was featured in People Magazine. At the time, the department reported 50 women among 398 uniformed personnel.

"Little girls need to know this career is possible for them," Lt. Marja Stowell told The News Tribune editorial board in March 2020, when she ran TFD's public education program.

The city says registered attendees will receive a confirmation with additional details, including the location, before each session. Registration is open, and spots are limited to 85 per session.