Inuvik (Oct 20/03) - There's nothing sissy about these women. They fight fires and save lives right alongside their male colleagues.

The seven women -- Patricia Davison, Captain Marsha Branigan, Captain Julie Miller, Linda Graf, Eryn Hanlon, Lynne Isenor and Melissa Schab -- are firefighters with the Inuvik Fire Department.

Although a female firefighter is less unusual than 20 years ago, having seven of them is a bit out of the ordinary.

In his two decades as a firefighter, Inuvik Fire Chief Al German has never seen so many women on a force. He has 27 firefighters which means women make up one third of his crew.

"I think it is more commonplace in the Northwest Territories," said German. "I think it is more acceptable up North.

Here they get to prove themselves and establish themselves. Here they get a chance."

From a captain

Firefighting isn't always easy for captain Marsha Branigan. The mother of two has a full-time job and admits being a firefighter can be "difficult". Branigan has been a member since 1992. She was approached by another woman firefighter to join the team.

"I haven't really regretted it. It's a big commitment of time but it's rewarding."

Branigan finds the department and the leadership to be very supportive of women firefighters.

A tragedy spurred her on

Linda Graf has been a firefighter for over three years. She joined after she stumbled across a tragic situation and helped in the rescue efforts.

"The fire chief suggested I join. I'm not a really big person, so I thought of a stereo typical fireman and I didn't fit. Until I saw that scene I didn't have the confidence that I could be a part of it and after that I did."

Like most firefighters, she loves the training and camaraderie in the department. When she travels she visits other fire departments.

"I often get a funny look because I'm not the typical six-foot buff firefighter."

From a rookie

Melissa Schab has been with the force for nearly a year. She joined almost immediately after coming to Inuvik.

"I was always interested in becoming a firefighter down south," said Schab of why she joined.

"I always found it fascinating and I always had respect and admiration for firefighters."

Schab said she has always been treated as an equal at the Inuvik Fire Department. Male or female, German expects everyone to pull their weight in a team designed to save lives.