Firefighter Challenge returns to Northamptonshire to test lifesaving skills of competitors

Firefighters from across the country will descend on Northamptonshire to take part in a gruelling set of challenges to test their fitness and lifesaving skills to the limit.

The Northants Firefighter Challenge is returning this summer after the successful inaugural event last year.

Taking place on Saturday June 27, at the Waterside Campus of the University of Northampton, the event sees firefighters take on a series of challenges that are designed to test both their speed and technique. These vary from dragging a hose to rescuing and carrying a dummy casualty and carrying heavy containers – all in full uniform and against the clock.

The Northamptonshire event forms part of 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 event at the Waterside Campus starts at 10 am and will finish at 4 pm, and it is completely free to attend and watch.

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.

Dean Keeber, a member of the Northants Firefighter Challenge team, said: “We are thrilled that a challenge is being hosted in Northamptonshire again this year.

“Last summer was the first time we ever held the event, and we were absolutely blown away by the support we had from the local community coming to cheer everyone on.

“While we are all competitive and want to win, the challenge is designed to test firefighters to the maximum of their ability. It’s great fun, but it’s also a fantastic way of maintaining our fitness and keeping our firefighting skills up to date – which are vital in the job we do to keep people across Northamptonshire safe.

“We hope the community of Northampton and the wider area can come along to cheer us all on and create a wonderful atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”

The Northants Firefighter Challenge could not take place without the help of our volunteer workers, and the following sponsors:

GOLD SPONSOR

Babcock International Group – international defence company

SILVER SPONSORS

Fire Service Rota – Fire service software company

Billing Aquadrome, Meadow Bay Villages – Residential and holiday homes

LGV Training – LGV commercial vehicle practical testing

AM Mortgage Solutions – Mortgage and protection brokerage

BRONZE SPONSORS

Clad Safety/HeroQuip – New uniform supplier for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

Coldcut Systems Ltd/Cobra – Fire service equipment and maintenance

BRITISH FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE SERIES SPONSORS

Haix – Footwear supplier

MSA – PPE supplier

W L Gore & Associates Ltd – Clothing supplier

EQUIPMENT SPONSOR

Parsch UK – Lay flat hose

PRIZE SPONSORS

TrailMed Ltd – Health and performance testing

Torch Master UK – Torch supplier

Rochester Collections – Supplier of personalised gifts

SERVICES

Lightdraw – Videographer

TJ Motor sport– Photography