In a space often associated with loss and separation, a group of young women has taken on a job demanding endurance, technical skill, and emotional resilience by directly operating cremation equipment.

Comprising five members with an average age of 28, the team is known as "Fire Roses," China's only all-female cremation staff. They work in high-temperature, high-pressure conditions, confronting death daily. Yet, they believe this work helps them better understand the value of life.

A team member inspects cremation equipment at Babaoshan Funeral Home, Beijing. *Photo: X/@ChinaDaily*

The team was established in 2022, with Van Tieu Lam as its first member. Van initially pursued a flight attendant program to fulfill her parents' wishes but later dropped out, realizing it was not the right path. The death of her grandfather, whom she did not get to see one last time, prompted Van to reconsider her career choice. She decided to study funeral services and joined Babaoshan Funeral Home in 2020.

Van later became the first female cremator at the facility, recognized for her skills and professional ethics before forming the Fire Roses team with other female colleagues.

Their work involves more than just operating cremation equipment. Each day, team members must verify and cross-reference information about the deceased, record details, prepare procedures, operate machinery, collect ashes, and maintain equipment. For each case, staff must develop a specific plan based on age, gender, weight, cause of death, and the duration the body was kept in cold storage.

Members of the Fire Roses cremation team at Babaoshan Funeral Home, Beijing. *Photo: QQ*

In China, cremation staff must hold professional certifications and pass specialized assessments. This profession requires physical health, technical knowledge, and emotional control. For many years, it was primarily undertaken by men. Many believed the funeral home environment was too demanding and psychologically stressful for women.

However, the Fire Roses members are proving otherwise. They handle all specialized tasks, working under harsh conditions with precision and composure. Inside the cremation area, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees C, and constant exposure to the heat has caused Van's skin to develop stubborn dark spots.

Some stages also pose risks. Ashes remain hot after cremation and can burn through protective gloves, requiring careful handling. Implants in the deceased's body, such as pacemakers or metal objects, can also explode during cremation if not processed correctly.

Despite these challenges, the Fire Roses team sees themselves as a vital link between the living and the deceased.

Luu Duc Khiet, a team member, vividly recalls an instance where a father asked her to retrieve his daughter's prosthetic leg after cremation. With care and precision, Luu helped the family receive the item intact. The image of the father embracing his daughter's keepsake deeply moved Luu, prompting her to reflect more on her own father and appreciate her family even more.

Since last year, Luu has actively sought small joys after work. She tries new restaurants, attends concerts on weekends, and dedicates more time to herself. "Only when you get close to death do you truly understand the meaning of life," Luu said.

Exposure to high temperatures has caused Van Tieu Lam's skin to develop dark spots. *Photo: X/@ChinaDaily*

The work has also transformed Van. She once witnessed the devastation of a 17-year-old girl's family, who lost their only child. This experience made Van think more about family and wish to have two children in the future.

Ngiep Mong Huc, another team member, shared that she used to be quite dependent on her parents, often asking for money even after starting work. But after her time at the funeral home, she gradually became less materialistic. Ngiep no longer yearns for luxury brands or a private home, finding contentment in the small joys of daily life.

She also calls her parents more often and takes them on trips whenever she has a vacation. For Ngiep, the job has made her understand that time with loved ones is not a given.

The story of the Fire Roses has garnered significant attention on Chinese social media. Many expressed admiration for the young women's career choice. Some comments suggested they not only face death daily but also understand how to live life to the fullest better than many others.

"It's not that women are unsuitable for this job, but society has become too accustomed to deciding what women can and cannot do. The Fire Roses girls are truly admirable," one person commented.

Ha Linh (According to SCMP)