The competition was lit at Invermay Park throughout this weekend for the state firefighter championships.
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Conducted through the Tasmanian Fire Brigades Championships Association, 27 teams gathered to take part in 10 events throughout Saturday and Sunday.
The competition included two senior categories and a junior division, with teams competing in groups of five.
TFS district officer and TFBCA president Brett Fazackerley said it was designed to test the skills firefighters would use while on the job.
“It’s a good cross-section of the type of equipment they will use while they are at a fire,” he said.
“This includes hose handling, holding a branch, as well as the use of pumps and other equipment.”
The track marked out for the event meant only two teams could compete at any one time.
Brigades are given points from each timed event, with a range of shields and medals awarded across different categories. Mr Fazackerley said the weekend was about more than just competition.
The championships provide a great opportunity for TFS members to practice their operational skills in a controlled, competitive environment in the lead-up to Tasmania's bushfire season.
- Brett Fazackerley
“The championships provide a great opportunity for TFS members to practice their operational skills in a controlled, competitive environment in the lead-up to Tasmania's bushfire season,” he said.
“It allows members from neighbouring brigades as well as those from other regions to establish friendships in a somewhat social setting, strengthening the TFS social fabric.”
This is Mr Fazackerley’s first year as president of TFBCA, having taken over from Mark Dobson.
While he admitted the championships had presented a “steep learning curve”, he said there were plenty of positives to take out of the end result.
“Luckily, I have had the former president and secretary help me out, which has made it a bit easier,” he said.
“We are slightly down on the number of teams taking part, but there are some brigades which have returned to the competition after hiatuses.
“It’s encouraging to have more junior teams coming up.”