Firefighters from across U.S. in Lexington for Combat Challenge

VERSAILLES, Ky. – Firefighters from across the country will demonstrate their strength and skills during the Firefighter Combat Challenge this weekend. The event will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 30 at the Hilton Suites (Lexington Green) parking lot. The event continues at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 31.“It’s a fun, friendly competition where firefighters get the opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Kentucky Fire Commission Executive Director Ronnie Day.

The Kentucky Fire Commission is the local host of the event. The Challenge simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting as competitors race against themselves, their opponent and the clock, wearing "full bunker gear" and their Air-Pak breathing apparatus, to tackle a linked series of five tasks including climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. “victim.”

More than 250 firefighters from across the country will be participating in the Challenge. The top three qualifiers advance to the World Challenge held in Montgomery, Alabama in October.

Firefighters aren’t the only ones who can participate in the Challenge. Children (4-11) can flex their muscles on the Kid’s Firefighter Challenge course on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11 a.m.