This July, something extraordinary is set to ignite on Vancouver Island. But it’s not your typical festival. Picture yourself stepping into a real fire hall, donning firefighting gear, mastering rescue drills, and bonding with a team of strong, inspiring women. Curious? Keep reading—Island Ignite 2025 is more than an event; it's a life-changing experience you won’t want to miss.
Event Overview
Dates: Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025
Duration: 2 nights, 2 full days
Location: Various active fire halls across Vancouver Island—including Victoria, Langford, and CFB Esquimalt
Hosts & Organizers: Island Ignite Mentorship Society—a registered non-profit since June 2022, working with local fire departments and supported by strong female leadership
Participant Applications
Eligibility
Female students entering or currently in Grades 11–12 (ages 15–18) residing on Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, or the Sunshine Coast
Application Window
Start: Applications open early spring 2025, as the society begins accepting participant forms and promotes on social media
Deadline: May 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM—application submission via email required
Cost
Free—fully covered by local fire departments, unions, private donors, and grants. Participants are responsible for travel costs
Why Attend?
This is more than a festival—it’s a powerful voyage of self-discovery:
Hands-On Skill-Building
Practice hose handling, dummy drags, breathing apparatus, fire ground drills, and rappelling
Authentic Fire Hall Experience
Daily drills at real fire halls like Langford, Victoria, and CFB Esquimalt test your mettle in a genuine emergency-services setting
Leadership and Teamwork
Build trust and resilience in cohort challenges, fostering confidence that extends beyond the camp
Mentorship by Women
Guided by female firefighters and first responders, participants explore traditional and non-traditional career paths in emergency services
Disclaimer
Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.
Who Else Can Get Involved
Mentors & Volunteers: Women working in career or volunteer firefighting on Vancouver Island—applications open early spring 2025
Spectators & Supporters: Families, friends, and local residents are welcome to drop by host fire halls to watch daily drills—no ticket needed.
✅ Free to Watch: No tickets—just show up at operational fire halls during drill times and bring your camera.
✅ Stay Updated: Follow Island Ignite on Facebook and their official website for schedules, volunteer calls, and behind-the-scenes posts
Island Ignite 2025 is where potential meets purpose. A festival ignited not by music or fireworks, but by the growth, courage, and empowerment found in every hose roll and fire-ground challenge.
Mark your calendars:
