Competition is heating up at annual Firefighter Championships
The competition is heating up as more than 200 firefighters take part in the annual State Firefighter Championships, putting their stamina, attention to detail, and co-operation to the test.
Tasmania
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The competition is heating up for a scorching showdown as more than 200 firefighters take part in the annual State Firefighter Championships.
The friendly rivalry involved 19 senior and 14 junior teams going head-to-head at Invermay Park on Saturday, putting their stamina, attention to detail, and co-operation to the test.
Tasmania Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith said the event was shaping up to be one to remember.
“It’s about the teamwork and the bonding, working under pressure, but also having a bit of a good time about it as well,” Commissioner Smith said.
“All events are timed, so everyone is competing, not only against the clock but also another team alongside them, while making sure that the hoses are tight, the nozzles are right on the end of the hoses, that the targets are hit with sufficient water and things like that. So, it all relates to what they would be doing on the fire ground in the upcoming fire season.
“And it’s an opportunity to reward some of their effort from training and preparing.”
Police, Fire, and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said the championships allow firefighters to showcase their capabilities in a competitive environment and learn new skills to take back to their communities.
“The competitions are a fun way for us to prepare for a really serious business,” Mr Ellis said.
“They help make summer safer by getting our firefighters involved, which sharpens their tools.
“They get an opportunity to work as a team, and they get to know some of the other names and faces from around the state that they might be working with when there’s a big campaign fire on.”
Bridgewater volunteer firefighter Todd Bennetto said the championships had already proven to be an effective recruiting tool.
“It’s very important for the future supply of the service to have juniors start at this level and get experience using the equipment and working with other teams,” he said.
“And while it’s very competitive, there’s also that camaraderie here as well. It’s a fun event.”
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