MYTH BUSTING

Myth: It’s only for boys.

Truth: Fire Exploring is for everyone, regardless of gender. In fact, about 30% of Explorers nationwide are females, and many posts are led by young women.

Myth: It’s only for kids with family members of the Fire Department or Police or EMS.

Truth: Fire Exploring is for everyone! About 50% of Explorers nationwide do NOT have a family member in the Fire, EMS, or Police Departments.

Myth: It’s only for Boy Scouts/Scouts.

Truth: You do NOT need to be a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout to be an Explorer.

Myth: Being an Explorer means I have to be a firefighter for my career.

Truth: Fire Explorers is a way to EXPLORE the fire services, learn new skills, make new friends, and serve your community. Approximately 90% of Explorers pursue other careers, with many continuing their volunteer service alongside their chosen profession.

Myth: Fire Explorers will consume all my free time.

Truth: Explorers meet 2 times a month, for 3 hours per meeting. While there are occasional additional activities, Explorers have lots of time for academics, sports, family, friends, and fun! (Verify specifics with your home department)

Myth: I will need to run into a burning building.

Truth: Safety comes first. Explorers do not run into burning buildings. Explorers are never placed in situations that threaten their health or well-being. Drills involving live fire are taught in a controlled training facility. Explorers train with real firefighting gear, hoses, tools, radios, and even the actual fire engines!

Myth: It costs a fortune.

Truth: In most departments, Fire Explorers is free to join! (Verify specifics with your home department)

Myth: I have to be in Olympic-shape to do this.

Truth: Fire Explorers do need some physical strength, but they don’t need to be super-human. Fire Explorers value discipline, teamwork, and mental strength over raw fitness. Fire Explorers enhance their strength with technique.