Firefighting is a field that is dominated by men, women only make up about an average of 3.5 percent of firefighters. There are women who are paving the way for more women to become firefighters.

Besides courage, drive and tenacity, it also takes courage and strength to become a firefighter and some argue that women, with their physique and mentality, don't quite have what it takes to be a firefighter.

"You have to be tough, you have to have thick skin, you have to be able to keep up with the boys," said Morgan Dresser. "They're always gonna have their preconceived notions, but we're doing it."

"You need to be carrying your own weight," said Adrienne Berman. "They expect you to hold your own, do what the men are doing."

"Being a female, you just have to find different ways to carry an axe, swing an axe, pull a hose," said Berman.

"I was on a truck prior to the truck I'm on now, there were three women on a truck, when we got off we definitely got looks," recounted Berman.

There's a challenge many can't fathom: that of being a woman firefighter, in addition to being a wife and mother.

"I thought, 'how am I ever gonna have a family and be a firefighter'," Berman. Delivering the news of a pregnancy to a chief is something male firefighters will not have to experience. Berman said she knew her co-workers would understand and support her. She gave birth in March, and had to face another challenge: coming back to work.

"I never imagined that I would become a wife and mother of two when I was testing," said Berman. "I just thought all I wanna do is to be a firefighter."

Berman said she is, like many other women, shattering stereotypes and taking on challenges, all to prove she can meet all of the demands.

"You can. If you want it, you can," said Berman.

By Premji