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This article looks at the integration of women into the volunteer fire service. Based on a theoretical framework devoted to commitment and professional identity, it focuses on the first few years of commitment, essentially devoted to completing the compulsory initial training. Using a qualitative methodology, the article analyses the obstacles encountered by women at the start of their career as volunteer fire fighters, during their initial training and in their life at the fire station. The results show that the difficulties they face have an impact on the development of their identity and the continuation of their contract. The field still seems to suffer from a gendered approach to selection.Keywords: volunteer firefighter, training, commitment, professional identity