At the core of Fire-Dex’s mission is the promise to “Serve Those Who Serve.” Sometimes, that means serving the next generation of first responders.  

Lauren Burke DeVere, President of Fire-Dex and soon-to-be CEO, recently had the opportunity attend the inaugural Camp Ignite, a camp for girls ages 14–18 designed to showcase firefighting skills in an immersive environment.  

Hosted in partnership with Orange County Fire Rescue, Camp Ignite offered hands-on firefighting activities, team-building challenges, and mentorship from female leaders in the fire service and beyond. 

For DeVere, as the daughter of owner Bill Burke, the experience was deeply personal. 

“Fire-Dex has always been rooted in family,” she says. “As I prepare to step into the role of CEO in 2026, I feel both honored and deeply responsible to continue building on that legacy. I grew up with the Fire-Dex family and they have shaped me into the person I am today. That’s why it’s especially meaningful for me to help share those experiences with the next generation of women leaders who will shape the future of this industry.” 

The girls tackled a variety of real-world firefighting scenarios, from ladder exercises to pulling hose to fire extinguisher training. The camp also included life-saving skills like CPR, victim rescue simulations, and information on how to stop bleeding. 

“Seeing this group of girls perform fundamental firefighting tasks reminds me why we do what we do,” says DeVere. “It’s important for young women to see real-world heroes up close, to see that women are making a difference in their communities and that they can have the opportunity to become one of those heroes too.”  

The camp wasn’t all hard work; instructors made sure the scenarios were fun too. Things like obstacle courses and a hose stream tug-of-war kept things light during intense days of learning.  

“Firefighters are some of the most fun people in the world to be around,” says DeVere, “so it makes sense that these girls would have the opportunity to let loose a little!”  

But through all the hard work and the fun, DeVere says she was constantly reminded that the mission of Fire-Dex is just as important as ever. As a family-owned company, Fire-Dex has long championed values of integrity, service, and innovation. That includes a deep commitment to providing personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits every firefighter—especially women. As a woman-led organization, Fire-Dex is committed to the well-being of female firefighters.

Historically, female firefighters have had to make do with gear designed for men, which can compromise safety and mobility. Between 15-21% of female firefighters say they don’t don part of their PPE because it doesn’t fit correctly.  

That’s why Fire-Dex goes above and beyond, creating PPE that’s specifically designed for females. Better-fitting gear prevents extra bulk and lets the firefighter move freely, where previous gear restricted movement and either provided too much or too little coverage.  

“This camp proves that women in the fire service aren’t going anywhere,” says DeVere. “Fire-Dex firmly stands with female firefighters. We see you, we’ve heard you, and we’re working to deliver gear that works for you. These young women chose to come out to this camp and experience what it’s like to be a firefighter, so it’s only right that we give them tools that will let them do their job.” 

Camp Ignite was more than a weekend of activities—it was a glimpse into the future of the fire service. A future where young women see themselves as leaders, protectors, and changemakers.  

“Mentorship is powerful,” DeVere says. “If even one girl walks away from Camp Ignite believing she can be a firefighter, a leader, or anything she sets her mind to, then we’ve succeeded.” 

As Lauren prepares to take the helm as CEO in 2026, her leadership continues to reflect the heart of Fire-Dex: a company rooted in family, driven by purpose, and dedicated to protecting—and empowering—those who serve.