Jumpline magazine January 2024 - Flipbook - Page 20
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The 2023 Fire昀椀ghter Challenge World Championship
MDFR Local 1403 Heads to the 2023
Fire昀椀ghter World Championship
The Fire昀椀ghter Challenge, also known as the Scott Fire昀椀ghter Combat Challenge, is a rigorous and physically demanding
competition that simulates the tasks and challenges that 昀椀re昀椀ghters often encounter during their duties. This competition
was created by Dr. Paul Davis in 1974, as a way to promote
昀椀tness and showcase the demanding nature of 昀椀re昀椀ghting.
The Fire昀椀ghter Challenge typically includes a series of timed
tasks that mimic real-life 昀椀re昀椀ghting scenarios. These tasks, or
as we call them evolutions, are performed in full turnout gear
and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) throughout
the course, adding to the physical strain. This year’s championship was held on October 8, 2023, in Stuart, Florida.
Erik Vidal
Peer Fitness
EVOLUTION 4 - Hose Advance:
The competitor must negotiate the 140-foot course on foot.
Then the competitor must pick up the nozzle on a 1 3/4 inch
charged hose line and drag it a total distance of 75 feet. Once
the runner and nozzle penetrate the swinging doors, the competitor opens the nozzle, hits the target with the water stream,
shuts down the nozzle, and drops the nozzle onto the ground
padding system between the saloon doors and the target system.
EVOLUTION 5 – Victim Rescue:
A 175 lb. practice dummy must be lifted and dragged backward 106 feet. Carrying the dummy is not permitted.
2023 World Championship. Photography by Rick Stephens
Sports Photography.
Over the years, the Fire昀椀ghter Challenge has grown in popularity and has become a global event, attracting participants
from various 昀椀re departments worldwide. It serves as a platform for 昀椀re昀椀ghters to test their physical 昀椀tness, teamwork,
and 昀椀re昀椀ghting skills in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Beyond the physical aspects, the Fire昀椀ghter Challenge
also promotes camaraderie among 昀椀re昀椀ghters and raises
awareness about the demanding nature of our profession. It
is not only a test of strength and agility but also a tribute to
the dedication and bravery of 昀椀re昀椀ghters who put their lives
on the line to protect their communities.
The Fire昀椀ghter Challenge has gained recognition not only
within the 昀椀re昀椀ghting community but also among the general
public, highlighting the incredible athleticism of these 昀椀rst responders. It continues to inspire and motivate both aspiring
and experienced 昀椀re昀椀ghters to stay in top physical shape and
be prepared for the demanding tasks they may face in the
Teams from around the world gather at the Arena of the Brave.
Photo by Rick Stephens
THE ARENA OF THE BRAVE
The start area is at the base of the tower
EVOLUTION 1 – Rise Hose Pack Carry:
The rubber jacketed hose load and cover 42 lb. may be carried in any manner and must be deposited into the container
at the top of the tower, with no part of the pack touching the
deck outside of the box.
EVOLUTION 2 – Hose Hoist:
A 42 lb. donut roll of large diameter hose and kernmantle
rope (nominally weighing 7 lbs.) is used for this event.
EVOLUTION 3 – Forcible Entry:
The forcible entry evolution utilizes the Keiser Force Machine. Using the provided nine-pound shot mallet, and with
both feet on the diamond plate surface, the competitor must
drive the sled, a 160 lb. steel beam at a horizontal distance
of 昀椀ve feet.
January 2024 | JUMPLINE Magazine