IT was a historic moment for Bury fire station when Emma Halsall pulled on her protective clothing and helmet.

When the 23-year-old started work on Monday, she became the borough’s first female firefighter.

She is the lone woman among the 87 firefighters based at Bury, Whitefield and Ramsbottom fire stations, and one of only 32 female firefighters across Greater Manchester.

Emma initially trained to become a teacher, but then decided to apply for the fire service.

Her application was accepted and she completed a 15-week training programme, learning how to do the job safely and use specialist equipment.

Emma, who comes from Salford and now lives in Derbyshire, said: “I was really pleased to get accepted by the fire service. I’m looking forward to getting out and gaining experience. I’m quite a practical person and not keen on routine. Every day will be different in the fire service.”

Despite making history, Emma, a member of blue watch, is taking everything in her stride.

She said: “I didn’t realise I was going to be the first female firefighter in Bury until I started work. It’s a real privilege. It’s still relatively unusual to have women in the fire service, but more people are starting to join.

“Everyone at the station has been great so far.

“I’m used to being in a male-dominated environment, as there were only two girls on my training course, so that won’t be a problem at all.”

Watch commander, Glyn Smith, said: “It’s great to have a woman here, especially as we have been trying to encourage more women to join the fire service. We will carry on as normal, but obviously we will act differently in some ways with a woman around.

“She will be treated the same as everyone else though. She is doing the same job as the rest of us.”