Importance of quality PPE highlighted at British Firefighter Challenge

This year, over 100 firefighters competed, duly representing Fire and Rescue Services from across the UK and Europe. With over a dozen sponsors, nearly 1,000 spectators and over 5,000 viewers live streaming the event, The British Firefighter Challenge raised £5,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity, in turn helping operational and retired firefighters to receive the physical, financial or mental health support they need.

The annual event tests speed, strength and stamina as participants complete eight gruelling stages one after the other, carrying over 30 kg of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus. From a three-story tower stair ascent and descent through to a casualty rescue of a 70 kg dummy, the event pushes firefighters to their limits.

John Gregory, director at The British Firefighter Challenge and crew manager for the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, explained: “Finding the time and energy to train for The British Firefighter Challenge can be a feat in itself. I recommend breaking each stage down. Improve your stair running and sprinting, work with resistance and weights similar to those used on the course and familiarise yourself with dragging a 70 kg dummy. The final challenge of completing the casualty rescue cannot be underestimated.”

Every stage of the competition has been thought through to replicate the demands of the profession. All contestants must compete in their own, approved PPE and wear breathing apparatus, which is essential for protecting firefighters from the elements.

Gregory added: “Not all PPE is created equal. Firefighters need the right equipment to ensure they benefit from comfort and agility without jeopardising on protection. HAIX, the global footwear specialist with nearly 30 years’ experience of developing firefighter boots, provided members of Team GB with HAIX Fire Eagle boots for the event. The boots offer much-needed stability and mobility, while remaining lightweight.”

Simon Ash, UK sales manager at HAIX, observed: “These are not professional athletes receiving coaching and nutrition. They’re firefighters who work and serve in our communities and maintain their health and fitness to be the best they can be in their line of duty. We’re grateful for the opportunity to show our support and act as the official footwear sponsor for Team GB, ensuring that the firefighters involved have footwear that helps them to go the distance.”

British champion

The newly-crowned British champion, namely Dave Budge, noted: “Having HAIX as a sponsor of Team GB has been a huge support over the last three years. I’ve been wearing HAIX Fire Eagles across Europe since 2018. They’ve helped me to improve my performance. I can run faster due to the lightweight material and the boot’s ability to be tightened for a personalised fit as well as the comfort they provide.”

Bec Meachin, a competitor at this year’s British Firefighter Challenge, said: “The event was superbly organised as always, promoting firefighter fitness, well-being and camaraderie. I was first up on Day Two with my fire kit, breathing apparatus and my favourite HAIX Fire Eagle boots to help me tackle the challenge. Nice and light, breathable and flexible, the boots helped me each and every step of the way.”

Navigating events since the pandemic has been challenging for Britain’s firefighters. Without the support of sponsors like HAIX, this particular event would not be possible.

“We’re grateful to be able to welcome back the British Firefighter Challenge and for all the support we’ve received from those invested in the Emergency Services community,” concluded John Gregory.

*Next year’s British Firefighter Challenge is taking place from Friday 29-Sunday 31 July in Hull