Dreams Ignite: Young Girl Aspires to Be the First Female Firefighter Worldwide

In the heart of the bustling city that never sleeps, the story of female firefighters in 1930s New York City remains largely untold. A thorough search through historical records has revealed no specific documented evidence of female firefighters during this era in the Big Apple.

However, an intriguing account from Chalfont, Pennsylvania, in 1930, sheds light on an early all-female firefighting group. This unique brigade was featured in a newsreel as a novelty, but it is essential to note that this group was not based in New York City [2][3].

Fast forward to the 1960s, the first documented all-women fire department in the U.S. context emerged, but once again, this department was not situated in New York City [1].

The 369th Infantry Regiment, popularly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was a historically significant African American military unit from New York during World War I and II. However, this unit was not related to female firefighters [4].

The film "Fireheart," set in 1930s New York, delves into the theme of determination and the barriers that can be overcome with resilience. The film's protagonist, Georgia Nolan, dreams of becoming a fireman but faces the challenge of women not being allowed to practice this profession in her era. In a bold move, Georgia disguises herself as "Joe" to join the team of improvised firefighters investigating mysterious fires in the city.

Laurent Zeitoun, the writer-director of Fireheart, was inspired to create this inspiring tale after witnessing a firefighter intervention in New York eight years ago. He found it fascinating that a group of women had to go to court to be accepted as firefighters, a fact that surprised him when he discovered it.

Fireheart is produced by Quad Cinéma, a company renowned for successful films like The Intouchables, Heartbreaker, Leap!, and The Death of Stalin. The film's screenplay is about the determination of women to become firefighters and the passion that drives them forward.

Zeitoun's dedication to telling compelling stories led him to abandon a career in finance to pursue his passion for cinema. His previous works include The 11 commandments, I Do, and Heartbreaker. Currently, Zeitoun is committed to a new adventure: Good Hero, a mission to create and produce original narrative universes using diverse creative communities and new technology.

Firefighters do not rush towards the fire upon arrival; instead, they walk and observe, assessing potential dangers. This concept, "Walk with purpose," was discovered during discussions about firefighter operations and reactions during a fire.

Fireheart is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream and the barriers they overcome to achieve their goals. It serves as a reminder of the journey that led to the inclusion of women in the firefighting profession and the inspiring stories that lie within.

Despite the lack of historical evidence, a unique all-female firefighting group was famously documented in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s, even though they weren't based in New York City.
In contrast to the early firefighting groups, the first documented all-women fire department in the U.S. was established in a location outside New York City during the 1960s.
The film "Fireheart" depicts the struggle of a woman, Georgia Nolan, who dreams of becoming a firefighter in 1930s New York, a profession not yet open to women, and her disguise to join a makeshift firefighting team.
Laurent Zeitoun, the writer-director of "Fireheart," was inspired to create the film after witnessing a firefighting incident in New York, which led him to delve into the process women had to undergo to become firefighters, a seemingly surprising fact he uncovered.