THE region’s best Fire and Rescue firefighters will put their skills to the test this weekend at the Region South 2 Firefighter Championships.
Tumut Fire and Rescue is hosting the Championships at the Bull Paddock tomorrow and on Sunday.
There will be 20 teams participating, made up of Fire and Rescue units from the likes of Wangi Wangi, Saratoga, Terrigal, Wyong, Kurri Kurri, Ulladulla, Cowra, Goulburn, Culcairn, Tumbarumba, Trangie, Junee, Tumut and Kootingal RFS.
“There will also be two Fire and Rescue teams from Turvey Park, one from Wagga Central, a composite team from various stations and a team called the Region South 2 Phantoms,” Tumut Fire and Rescue Firefighter Kevin Malone said.
“There will be 11 different events, ranging from those involving single competitors to those involving multiple competitors.
“Most of the events reflect what happens on the fireground, and it is an excellent way of sharpening our skills, and having fun doing it. Some teams will be very competitive, but other teams like Tumut will be just having a go.”
He said seven members from Tumut Fire and Rescue were registered to compete, and also to help out other teams which may be short.
It will all begin with a breakfast and meeting with officials on the Saturday morning, before the official opening at 9.30am. The events will run until 4pm on Saturday and there will be a social dinner at Tumut Golf Club on Saturday night.
The events will get back underway at 8am on Sunday and end with a closing ceremony at 1pm.
“There will be plenty of action, so everyone can come and watch; there’s no charge,” MR Malone said.
“There will be a kitchen fire demonstration and a few other things like that. “
The event will also be a celebration of the centenary of Tumut Fire and Rescue being based at its current station in Wynyard Street. The centenary was actually in 2021 but the Covid-19 pandemic prevented any celebrations being held then.
“People from the Museum of Fire will be there and will present a history of Tumut Fire Brigade, and Tumut’s participation in the Championships going back to 1905,” Mr Malone said.
Meanwhile, as part of the whole event, Tumut Fire and Rescue will carry out demonstrations including a simulated kitchen fire and education sessions at local schools today.
“The aims are to educate the older kids about fire safety, to possibly inspire them to become firefighters, and to encourage them to come down over the weekend,” he said.
