The City firefighters compete to be named Toughest Firefighter Alive

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services section hosted a local competition for its firefighters at the Good Hope Centre, on 2 October 2011, in preparation for the national and world championships of the Toughest Firefighter Alive competition.

The Toughest Firefighter Alive competition is exclusively for firefighters 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 “firefighters’ Ironman”.

The competition was carried out in full firefighting gear and tested competitors in a number of firefighting disciplines. It had four sections – which firefighters had to complete during the local event:

• The Hose Run – competitors carried a breathing apparatus set, while being tested in hose-running and carrying.
• Obstacle course – competitors negotiated tunnels and walls while carrying various pieces of equipment.
• Tower – competitors handled and pitched ladders and carry firefighting equipment up ropes.
• Stair Climb – competitors ran up the 23-floor fire escape at the Civic Centre with full firefighting gear, including a breathing apparatus set.

The competition was won by Firefighter Emile Conrad of George and the female section was won by Firefighter Tracey Whitakker of Milnerton Fire Station  

“Events like this are incredibly valuable because they not only ensure the fitness of our firefighters, but also serve to boost their morale. This is crucial in ensuring that our firefighting 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,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman J.P. Smith.

City celebrates International Firefighters Day on 04 May with parade through Cape Town

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services is partnering with the Provincial Fire Brigade Services to celebrate International Firefighters Day tomorrow, 04 May 2011.

The celebrations will start at 10:00 with firefighters from around the peninsula participating in a vehicle parade from the Keizersgracht to the Good Hope Centre.

The parade will start in front of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, move into Darling Street, turn right into Lower Buitenkant Street and then left into Strand Street before proceeding into Adderley Street. From there, it will head left into Adderley Street, to turn left into Darling Street and proceed along Sir Lowry Road, where it will end in the parking area of the Good Hope Centre.

After the parade, firefighters will form a guard of honour inside the centre. Other activities include march passes, drills and a medal parade. Various speakers will address the audience, including the City’s Chief Fire Officer, Ian Schnetler.

Date: Wednesday 04 May
Time: 11:00 – 14:00 (official programme starts)
Venue: Good Hope Centre, Cape Town
All media are invited to attend. This event will present an excellent photo opportunity.

The Cape Winelands Fire Services, West Coast Fire Services, Stellenbosch Fire Services, Breede Valley Fire Services and the organisation Working on Fire, will also participate in the event.

International Firefighters Day is celebrated on 04 May because it is the day of St Florian, the Patron Saint of Firefighters. It was instituted in 1999 to honour firefighters after five Australian firefighters died in a wildland fire.

One of the most significant symbols of International Firefighters Day is the distinctive red and blue ribbon. It is cut precisely five centimeters long and one centimeter wide, with the two separate colors joined at the top. The red in the ribbon symbolises the element of fire, while the blue symbolises the water which firefighters use to extinguish fires.