Sioux Falls Fire Rescue is inviting locals to get a taste of the firefighting life through Ignite Academy at the Public Safety Campus. The two-and-a-half-day program gives participants hands-on exposure to EMS, technical rescue drills, vehicle extrication, and teamwork, showing that not all calls are fires. Operators say the academy aims to broaden access, especially for women, while remaining open to anyone willing to work hard. Participants will learn fire behavior, practice dollhouse burns, and tackle a team-building obstacle course, before a closing all-female panel. According to division chief Luke Smidt, the experience helps demystify the job and prove many backgrounds can lead to a career in emergency response. Fire and Life Safety Educator Kyle Blakeslee notes the emphasis on EMS—about 65 percent of local calls are EMS. Applications are open through March 20, with the academy slated for April 24-26, 2026. Space is limited; apply early today. For More Information https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/03/10/think-you-could-be-firefighter-sffr-ignite-academy-lets-you-find-out/
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