What is Firefit?
The Scott FireFit Championships is a unique competition based on fire fighting tasks commonly performed in emergency situations. A course comprised of seven gruelling physical tasks, tests the strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels of firefighters. There are many different levels of competitors, ranging from the seasoned ten year veteran to the first time rookies, and are inclusive of men and women. Competitors are required to wear full gear while competing, including bunker gear, boots, gloves, self-contained breathing apparatus, mask, and helmet, all of which must be NFPA 1971 approved. The weight of all the gear combined is estimated to be anywhere from 50-60lbs of additional weight. This competition has earned itself the title, 'The toughest two minutes in sports' for an obvious reason.
The Course
Once equipped in full gear, competitors are ushered to the course with a partner who they will race against. They are situated at the base of the tower and wait for the 'Ready, Go" commands, indicating they may start the tasks listed below. The competitor is timed how long it takes them to complete all seven tasks.
Chris Tyner
Task 1: Stair Climb
The first event is the stair climb with High Rise Pack. The High Rise Pak is a 4-foot bundle of 4-inch hose weighing 42 pounds. This is carried on the outside shoulder when moving up the stairs and must be deposited completely in or on the box on the top floor of the tower (40 ft., 6 flights, 60 steps). Missing the box constitutes a 2 second penalty. The hose load must stay on the platform or the competitor is disqualified. When ascending the tower hand rails may be used. Steps can be taken one at a time or in multiples on the way up.
John Cook
Task 2: Hose Hoist
A 45 lb Donut Roll of Angus LDH hose and 5/8" kern-mantle rope are used. Competitors 5'6" and under are allowed to stand on the Hi Rise pack (no penalty will be given to these competitors) The Donut Roll must be hauled (usually hand over hand motion) up to the top landing of the tower, lifted and placed in the box on the top of the tower. The Donut Roll must remain in or on the box. No part may touch the deck of the tower. A 2 second penalty is assessed if any part of the Donut Roll is touching the tower platform. The Donut Roll must not leave the top platform, (results in disqualification). A fallen donut roll may not be retrieved.
Trevor Sager
Task 3: Stair Descent
Once the 45lb Donut Roll is pulled to the top of the tower, the competitor must retreat back down the 6 flights of stairs to ground level. When descending the stairs, the handrails must be used and the competitor must touch every step. Failure to touch each step on the way down will result in a 2 second penalty per infraction.
David Goodfellow
Task 4: Forcible Entry
The Forcible entry evolution utilizes a chopping simulator. Using the 8 lb. Trusty Cook shot mallet provided, the competitor moves the beam completely past the decal. Once this task is complete the competitor must place the hammer on the designated 4' x 4' area. If the hammer does not stay on the 4' x 4' area a 2 second penalty is given.
John Cook
Task 5: Run
Competitors then walk or run as fast as he/she can around the hydrants, a distance of 140 ft., and shoulders the nozzle end of a 1.75" fully charged Angus Hi-Combat hoseline.
Kevin Duncan
Task 6: Hose Advance
Competitor then drag a 1.75" fully charged Angus Hi-Combat hoseline a distance of 75 ft. Once the nozzle crosses into the Nozzle Zone, the competitor hits a target with a water stream. Once the target is down the competitor shuts off the nozzle, dropping it to the ground. If the nozzle is not closed prior to hitting the ground the competitor must go back and close it, or take a 2 sec. penalty. If the nozzle opens again after hitting the ground, there is no penalty and the competitor can continue to the Victim Rescue.
Chad Taylor
Task 7: Victim Rescue
A 165 lb. Simulaids Rescue Randy mannequin must be dragged backwards a distance of 100 ft. Carrying the dummy in your arms or over your shoulder is not permitted. The mannequin must not be grasped by its clothing or appendages. Time stops when the competitor crosses the beam at the finish line with the mannequin.
What The Course Looks Like
Two of the best FireFit competitors, Brandon Cunningham (USA - red side) and Dwayne Drover (Canada - yellow side), show us how the course is supposed to run. Keep in mind these are two of the elite athletes in the FireFit competitions!
For more information on the competition, click the logo on the left to visit the Scott FireFit Canada website
