Firefighters from across NSW are on their way to Forbes for the regional Firefighter Championship.
Over two action-packed days, Fire and Rescue teams will go head-to-head in a series of challenges designed to test the skills they use in real emergency response.
Preparations are under way to transform Stephan Field into a competition arena, with events kicking off Saturday morning.
Forbes Fire and Rescue captain Mark Willis and his team are excited to welcome both fellow competitors and dignitaries to town, with crews travelling from across the region and as far afield as Echuca, Ulladulla, Morriset and Wyong.
Two local Forbes teams will be flying the flag in the championships, which feature 11 events such as extinguishing a fire in a multi-storey building, rescue, pump, hydrant and hose operations.
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Spectators are welcome to come and watch, gaining insight into the work and training our firefighters do.
The championships are an event steeped in history, says president of the Firefighter Championships Association Jamie Loader AFSM in his message in this year’s competition program.
“The championships not only celebrate the exceptional skills of our firefighters but also provide a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration,” he said.
“As we watch the events unfold over the coming days, we will witness remarkable displays of strategy, precision, and resilience.
“These championships serve as a testament to the continuous training and determination of our firefighters, who work tirelessly to ensure that they are always prepared for anything.”
Forbes’ participation dates back more than a century, The Museum of Fire reveals, with our community host to the Annual Interstate Fire Brigade Demonstration in 1905 - 120 years ago - with 55 teams competing.
Some 700 firefighters were part of that competition, Championship historian John Hand has written for the Museum of Fire blog, and an estimated 7000 people attended the event, which included bicycle races and band contests.
Events included hose and reel practice for eight and four men, eight and four men engine, hose and ladder practice, hose and reel practice, ambulance rescue and four men ladder.
The media of the day reported that the Lady Amazons of Armidale gave a spirited and excellent performance.
"The rescue from the burning tower, and the leap into space by Captain Minne Webb were special features of interest and earned well deserved applause," The Sydney Mail of 8 February, 1905, reported.
Catch all the action of the championships at Stephan Field this Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 August.
There is an official opening at 9.30am Saturday, with events from 10am and then from 8am Sunday until complete.
