An all-female firefighter training camp reminded Ms Emselle just how much she and other female members could do.

Ms Emselle was proudly from an accepting, inclusive brigade and, empowered from training, found there was more they could all do to keep improving culture not just in her brigade but in setting the tone for others.

"You think in a modern world it's changing and getting better but there's always an undercurrent, especially in physical activity, where women can feel uncomfortable in certain situations," Ms Emselle said.

"We feel accepted in our brigade as women but it's little things like always expecting the big guy to go and get a ladder when we're all capable of offering to get it, rather than just allowing because that's how it's always been done.

"It is a men's sort of world...We all want to fit in and work together and we don't want them to feel uncomfortable either. You don't sort of think about it until days like today when you realise how much time you do spent thinking about how to cooperate and work as a team.

"...We are pushing boundaries as women but no-one knows exactly how to do it best - we're all figuring it out."

Female participation in the Country Fire Authority has been growing, despite overall volunteers numbers declining. Almost 25 per cent of CFA volunteers were female, according to data from earlier this year, with females making up 15 per cent of volunteer firefighters.

Cape Clear' CFA fire brigade has been focused on building the skills and confidence of all women in volunteers ranks across the state with an annual burning off training camp.

Ms Emselle was among three Wendouree firefighters to sign on for the training in what she said was a great chance to learn, grow and try new opportunities, like getting out in the bush as a contrast to Wendouree's more urban environment.

About 100 women from across the state, Portland to Gippsland, took up the challenge.

The first vital activity for the camp was to talk.

Cape Clear captain Michael Rowe said the "hive of conversation" in participants meeting each other formed important bonds and shared experience.

Then it is into the theory and action on wet-breaks, driving trucks and breaking down old stigmas in CFA ranks.

"We find a lot of female firefighters have never driven (the trucks) before and it's actually so simple, but a lot of people over-think it," Mr Rowe said. "There are no mistakes, just learning and nobody laughs.

"They all come to see us because they know this is a safe environment, no ridicule and to see them empowering each other is pretty amazing. We're just firefighters supporting firefighters, volunteers supporting volunteers."

Mr Rowe said a buddy system using the drip torch was a great example of empowerment in action: women would be shown how to use the torch, take 10 steps and show the next firefighter the technique.

One firefighter, whose feet could not reach the pedals of the tanker, had others stuff rolled-up jackets behind her on the seat so she had a chance to drive.

Mr Rowe watched another firefighter's whole body language change when she made lieutenant: her hair was tied up in a ponytail, her eye contact increased and she was giving the deputy chief instructions on the fire ground.

He said it was all about teamwork.

Cape Clear Fire Brigade hand-picked the firefighter assistants to work with the females at the weekend to ensure the best, judgement-free and fun learning environment for the women, many who travelled alone across the state for the event.

"There's that many people out there that want to give fire fighting a go but feel held back," Mr Rowe said.

"...We just want to get them out there. I had crew driving tankers, crew leaders and they were all absolutely brilliant, rock solid."

IN OTHER NEWS

Mr Rowe said he had hear it said women would be the "saving grace" for the CFA and he wholeheartedly agreed. But he said there was still a long way to go to break down worn-out stigma and stereotypes surrounding female firefighters.

The female burn off training camp is one way Cape Clear hoped to keep shifting CFA culture, particularly in building the confidence among women and creating a support network for women across the state.

Merino Fire Brigade, near Casterton, is planning to launch a similar training event later this month.

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