Looking After For Safety Against the Ire of Fire: Work Experiences of Female Fire Officers

This study explores the distinct views on safety and problems experienced in their demanding responsibilities by female fire officers in three cities in Western Samar. The research intends to offer insight on the tactics used by these women to protect their own safety and the safety of their teams during firefighting through in-depth interviews. Phenomenological research design has been used in this study. Twelve (12) female fire officers were selected as informants from among the fire departments in Samar, Borongan, Calbayog, and Catbalogan. These officers were chosen from each department in Samar and had a minimum of three years of experience. A smartphone application was used to conduct and record the interviews, resulting in transcriptions that were precise and comprehensive. A tiny amount of the responses was in the local dialect, which was translated for clarity, but the majority were in English. Ten (10) emergent themes were crafted after thoroughly gathering the data from the informants. These themes were formulated: Job Satisfaction, Team Dynamics, Core Distress, Women Under Representation, Staffing Shortage, Equipment Deficiency, Transparency Build Trust, Balancing Life as a Mother, Collaboration leads to Success and Progress and Advancement. These themes recognized the difficulties associated with psychological and physical discomfort and emphasized the critical role those female firefighters play in their careers and teams. The officers emphasized the necessity for acknowledgment of women as fire officers and stated their ongoing effort and aspirations in their duties.