The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services will host the second South African Open Toughest Fire Fighter Alive competition at the Good Hope Centre on 30 and 31 August 2013 and entrance is free to the public.
The Toughest Fire fighter Alive Competition is exclusively for fire fighters and is carried out on a national, European and world-championship basis. The competition was initiated in the United States of America and is often referred to as the “fire fighters’ Ironman” due to the gruelling course, based on international standards, in which fire fighters from across the world participate in.
Expanding on the success of the event last year, fire fighters from various municipalities, the Armed Forces, Ports Authority, Aviation, among others, are expected to participate in this year. The event is aimed at solidifying relationships between the organisations through sports.
The competition will be carried out in full fire-fighting gear and will test competitors in a number of fire fighting disciplines. Fire fighters will be required to complete four sections during the local event:
- Hose run – competitors carry a breathing apparatus set, while being tested in hose-running
- Obstacle course – competitors negotiate tunnels and walls while carrying various pieces of equipment
- Tower – competitors handle and pitch ladders and carry fire-fighting equipment with ropes
- Stair climb – competitors run up the 23-floor fire escape at the Civic Centre with full fire-fighting gear, including a breathing apparatus set
Registration for the competition closes on 16 August 2013. Fire fighters wishing to enter should complete the registration form and send to Mark.Smith@capetown.gov.za.
“Events like this are incredibly valuable because they not only ensure the fitness of our fire fighters, but also serve to boost their morale. This is crucial in ensuring that our fire-fighting teams deliver the best possible service to Capetonians. I wish our local team well in their training session and I’m certain that they will do us proud in the international competition,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman J.P. Smith.
For more information on the Toughest Fire Fighting Alive Competition, please click here.
