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More women called upon to join dedicated Washington's wildfire fighters

Washington Department of Natural Resources Public Lands commissioner wants more women to join the frontlines of wildfire fights.

Commissioner Hilary Franz, who was elected into office last year, turned to Facebook to say that women are under-represented on the state’s fireline and in wildfire leadership. Women make up only 14.5 percent of the state's wildfire fighting force, according to DNR.

“I want every woman out there who wants to keep their state safe to sign up for these great wildfire fighting opportunities,” she wrote on her page.

In a video attached with a message, she thanks the thousands of firefighters who have strenuously and bravely worked protected Washington’s landscapes.

The DNR responded to over 600 wildfires this year amid dry weather and wind over the summer and fall – keeping 96 percent of fires under10 acres.

"What we don't see is enough woman to join this powerful [job of] firefighting ," Franz said. "There's no reason we can't make this number higher. I am encouraging all women interested in protecting our communities and keeping our landscapes green to join … We are not only fighting fire but we are fighting the glass ceiling."

People interested in applying can learn more about the qualifications needed here.

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