The World Firefighter Games is a biennial event hosted by a different country each time. The event is open to serving firefighters from fire services across the globe to enter a range of sports from traditional Olympic events such as marathon running and weightlifting, to more unusual events, such as arm wrestling and tug of war. In all, there are over 60 events to compete in but the flagship event is 'The Toughest Firefighter Alive' competition.
This event tests competitors in a range of firefighting specific disciplines and is carried out wearing full firefighting kit and is regarded as the toughest event in the games.
Part 1 is the 'Hose run' which is completed in full firefighting kit including a BA set, testing the competitor in hose running and carrying.
Part 2 is an 'Obstacle course' run in full firefighting gear which involves carrying various pieces of equipment while negotiating tunnels and walls.
Part 3 is called 'Tower', again done in full gear and a BA set. This event involves handling and pitching ladders together with hauling equipment up a tower using rope lines.
Part 4 is the 'Stair climb' which involves a race to the top of a 120m metre high rise tower, equivalent to 30-40 storey building to be done in firefighting clothing and a BA set.
As can be seen, to be crowned the 'Toughest Firefighter Alive' is a extraordinary achievement.
The first World Firefighter Games were held in 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand after a committee of international firefighters and an American entrepreneur got together. Since then, the games have been held:
- 1992 Las Vegas - USA
- 1994 Perth - Australia
- 1996 Edmonton - Canada
- 1998 Durban - South Africa
- 2000 Mantes - France
- 2002 Christchurch - New Zealand
- 2004 Sheffield - UK
- 2006 Hong Kong - China
The next World Firefighter Games are to be held in Liverpool, UK. The Games will run from 25th August 2008 until 3rd September 2008 and will attract over 5000 competitors from all over the world. For more information and details on how to enter, visit the Official Site