Northamptonshire to host its first ever Firefighter Challenge

Firefighters from across the country are expected to descend on Northamptonshire to take part in a gruelling set of challenges which will test their fitness to the limit.

For the first time ever, Northamptonshire is hosting its very own Firefighter Challenge competition, which will take place at Rushden Lakes on July 5.

It will join the British Firefighter Challenge series calendar, where firefighters both from the UK and overseas compete to win medals for their respective Fire Services in different events across the world.

The events see firefighters take on a series of challenges that are designed to test both their speed and technique. These vary from dragging a hose, to ascending stairs, rescuing and carrying a dummy casualty and carrying heavy containers – all in full uniform and against the clock.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has an established firefighter challenge team of its own. Having travelled across the world, from Liverpool to Swansea to Saudia Arabia – they now get the chance to show off their skills in front of a home crowd.

The event at Rushden Lakes starts at 9am and will finish at 5pm, and it is completely free to attend and watch. It will be taking place on the Central Boulevard, close to Bill’s restaurant.

As well as giving firefighters the chance to take home silverware, the event helps to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity – which offers physical and mental health support for current and former members of the Fire Service, as well as their families.

Henry Sleight, a firefighter on Red Watch at Wellingborough Fire Station, said: “We’re excited that for the first time we are holding a Firefighter Challenge right here in Northamptonshire.

“These events give our firefighters the chance to showcase their ability in various tasks which will test their strength, agility, and teamwork. It also really helps with the fitness that you need for the job, and the skills we use all relate to tasks that we will do at incidents to keep people safe.

“We hope the local community are able to come along and cheer us on, as well as helping to raise money for a very worthy cause.”

This amazing event is organised, hosted and made what it is by the hard work of passionate volunteers. It is only through the support of sponsors that the Firefighter Challenge can happen – and sponsorship packages can be found here.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact our Commercial Team. Email commercialbd@northants.police.uk with your company details, contact name, email, phone number and the package you would be interested in.