The City firefighters compete to be named Toughest Firefighter Alive

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services section will once again be hosting Toughest Firefighter Alive competition for its firefighters at the Good Hope Centre, on 30 & 31st August 2013.

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 will be carried out in full firefighting gear and tests competitors in a number of firefighting disciplines. It has four sections – which firefighters have to complete during the local event:

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

“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.