Dräger South Africa Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge 2025
2025 marked the five-year anniversary edition of the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge. Dräger’s Wimpie van Onselen, said, “What started as a small competition and the Dräger team not knowing if this will pick up, resulted in a well-attended fifth edition. With over 25 teams and 80 individuals competing this year, the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge has grown to be a competition of note. Being the only competition in South Africa that challenges the competitors to do the workouts under air, it was a great challenge for those testing their fitness, strength and resilience.”
“This year the competition was presented over two days. Day one saw the launch of the Dräger Aqua Rescue Helmet and the FPS Com Voice and a word from our special guest, Martyn Lamb, from the EMEA Dräger team”, said Van Onselen.
“Over the two days the teams competed in three events that showed their skill, fitness and endurance to be crowned the best of the competition. At the end only a few teams could finish all three events. Below the overall winners of the day.”
Results
A big congratulations to all the winners!!
“The Dräger Team will see you next year for the sixth edition of the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge. Firefighting is teamwork. At Dräger we feel a part of your team. Our contribution to the team is the equipment that protects you during your mission. Only when you trust your PPE and feel in tune with it, can you perform at your very best”, he concluded.
Fire and Rescue International is honoured to be the official media partner for this event. Visit the online gallery for our exciting photos showcasing this great event!
Quote of the week “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” ~ Publilius Syrus
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Capricorn District Municipality supports firefighters with trauma debriefing sessions
Firefighting is not only physically demanding but also emotionally taxing, as those on the frontline are often exposed to traumatic and life-threatening situations. To provide support, Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) has rolled out trauma debriefing sessions across all fire stations in the district. The sessions are designed to help firefighters understand and manage trauma, recognise early signs, and adopt coping strategies. They also emphasise the importance of self-care and building a trauma-informed workplace culture.
UNEP and ICAO launch $82.5 Million project to eliminate harmful firefighting foams in African airports
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly launched the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) project, which aims to phase out the use of toxic fluorinated firefighting foams and replace them with safer alternatives at major airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. FIRE, a $82.5 million initiative with a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners, will phase out firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), hazardous “forever chemicals” linked to serious environmental and health risks.
The City of Johannesburg EMS Aquatic Water Rescue Unit training
The City of Johannesburg EMS Aquatic Water Rescue Unit continues with the training and preparedness at the Univercity of Johannesburg and the Vaal Dam for the coming rainy season ready to respond to all water related emergencies reported in the City of Johannesburg. The launch of Swift Water Rescue Unit briefing session and Water Safety Campaign started on 1 September 2025 in Sandton.
Source: CoJEMS
Inside the life of a rescue dog
Every year, on International Dog Day, we celebrate the special bond between humans and their lifelong companions. But for some dogs, this bond also comes with a life-saving mission. We followed the Dutch Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team during a training day in Germany, where their dogs participated in a simulated earthquake scenario. Surrounded by collapsed buildings and piles of rubble, the dogs practised one of the most critical skills in disaster response: finding people trapped under debris.
City of Tshwane Emergency Services responds to a house fire that claimed children’s lives
On Tuesday, 2 September 2025, the City of Tshwane Emergency Services received a call was received around 19h43 through the Emergency Communication Centre about a house fire in Amandasig, north of Pretoria. When the two fire engines arrived on scene they immediately started with search and rescue. Tragically, during the search and rescue operation two children’s bodies were recovered. The third child who had suffered minor injuries was rushed to a nearby medical facility by private medical services.
How CAL FIRE sizes up a wildfire
In this video, Ethan Gicker from CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 4 discusses how we determine the size of a wildfire and the different technology that is utilised.
Source: CAL FIRE LNU (Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit)
Restaurant destroyed by fire in Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Ekurhuleni
A double storey metal container farm house restaurant and bar burnt down, causing extensive damage to both top and bottom sections inner contents. William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said, “The fire call was received 07h10 Tuesday morning by City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Life-threatening Call Centre. Alberton, Thokoza and Palm-Ridge firefighting teams responded swiftly to the corner of Swartkoppies and Overbury roads outside Alberton.”
16 people killed in crash on Lisbon’s historic cable car railway, Portugal
16 people died and 22 were injured on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, when Lisbon’s Gloria funicular railway car, which is popular with tourists and is one of the city’s symbols, derailed and crashed, an emergency medical service spokesperson said. Authorities did not identify the victims or disclose their nationalities but said some foreign nationals were among the dead. Five people were gravely injured, the spokesperson said. Witnesses reported that the yellow-and-white tram appeared out of control as it sped downhill, before derailing as it rounded a bend and crashing into a building. Photos of the aftermath show a crumpled heap of cables and steel.
Light aircraft does emergency landing in Thembalethu, George
Two people sustained minor injuries when they made an emergency landing in their light aircraft, an Aero Commander, on a farm in the southern parts of Thembalethu, George, Tuesday morning, 23 August 2025. There were no fatalities. The Garden Route District Municipality reported that the two injured crew members have been taken to hospital where they are being treated. Emergency responders were on the scene, including EMS Metro Emergency Services, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, George Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, Airport Fire and Rescue Services and the SAPS.
Need for more data to determine aerial effectiveness, Australia
There is little quantitative knowledge of, or data describing, how aircraft are used on Australian fires or how effective they are. Most of the existing operational understanding of suppression effectiveness is anecdotal, highly personal and difficult to compile. Most published data are limited to counts of hours flown, drops made and contracting costs. Inquiries after the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer fire season have made recommendations that research and evaluation into aerial firefighting be undertaken to address this lack of knowledge. The federal government has expressed support for this research and for evidence-based understanding of the capability required for an operationally effective fleet to meet current and future needs.
Young aspiring firefighters learn life-saving lessons at Army Support Base Kimberley
On Thursday, 11 September 2025, Army Support Base Kimberley welcomed enthusiastic learners from Setshwarapelo Primary School in Mokgareng Village, Taung, for an educational visit to the Fire and Rescue Service Centre. The pupils, from Grade R to Grade 3, were thrilled to meet real-life firefighters who showcased their fire engine, demonstrated firefighting equipment, and explained the vital role they play in saving lives. The children were also taught essential fire safety tips, from recognising the sound of a smoke alarm to practical steps they can take during emergencies, transforming serious lessons into a fun and memorable experience.
Featured FRI Magazine article: Wildfire investigations – the cold case by Arnold Swart
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: Wildfire investigations – the cold case written by Arnold Swart, Chuma Safaris and Conservation Services (FRI Vol 3 no 8). We will be sharing more technical/research/tactical articles from Fire and Rescue International magazine on a weekly basis with our readers to assist in technology transfer. This will hopefully create an increased awareness, providing you with hands-on advice and guidance. All our magazines are available free of charge in PDF format on our website and online at ISSUU. We also provide all technical articles as a free download in our article archive on our website.
Fire stations of the world: Utrecht Fire Station, The Netherlands
Designed by Van Rooijen Architecten and built in 2011, the Utrecht Fire Station is situated in Vleuten, Utrecht in The Netherlands. The fire station consists of a machine bay for three fire engines, dressing rooms, workshops, offices and meeting areas and a cafeteria. The fire station is situated in a suburban area with mainly traditional housing. On the relatively small site, a two floor building was designed with a cubic shape. The floor plans are very compact and functionally designed to support speedy action in case of fire and emergencies as the responders have to reach an incident within eight minutes. In contrast with the brick of the houses in the area, the fire station was given a specific character expressing the professionalism of the fire brigade.
Technology: Sikorsky and Cal Fire join forces to enhance autonomous aerial firefighting technologies
In a significant step forward in the fight against wildfires, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) have announced a new initiative to expand the research, innovation and operational capabilities of aviation resources. This effort aims to strengthen the response to the growing threat of wildfires, reducing the dangerous impacts on communities, residents, infrastructure, natural resources, and the economy. The five-year collaboration will focus on developing and integrating cutting-edge technologies, and enhancing the safety and efficacy of CAL FIRE operations to create a more efficient and effective approach to all-hazard emergency response.
Fitness: Which approach to firefighter fitness is right for you?
Conventional fitness ????Targets body composition and general fitness ????Focuses on muscle groups and steady-state cardio ????General physical preparedness (GPP) phase of an annual training plan to build a solid foundation
Functional fitness ????Targets movement quality and functional strength ????Focuses on multi-joint movements and energy system development ????Specific physical preparedness (SPP) phase of an annual training plan for firefighting
Tactical fitness ????Targets mission-specific readiness ????Focuses on movement patterns, simple tools and interval training ????“Sport-specific physical preparedness” (SSP) phase designed specifically to build work capacity for emergency response
Tactical fitness is not just about working out; it’s about being “Response Ready” when the call comes in.
Training: Aerial operation: short jacking and struts
In the final part of the fire truck tower ladder training video series, “Training to perform under pressure” instructor, Steve Ripley, aka “Rip”, provides tips on how to utilise your equipment on the fireground without hindering operations for your department.
Source: Fire Spotlight
Vintage: 1948 Ford F7 model, Greenville, Wisconsin, US
Greenville, Wisconsin Fire Department located west of Appleton, has restored their antique pumper. This 1948 Ford F7 model, with a Barton-American 500gpm front mount pump, is believed to be one of four pumpers that served the surrounding townships of Hortonia, Ellington, Greenville (pictured here) and the village of Hortonville, Wisconsin. With some previous speculation, all of the bodywork was probably fabricated in-house at a small shop located in downtown Hortonville by its two founders, Mel Pankow and Ray Richards. Together, the two men initiated their own business, called the Hortonville Truck Body Company, employing several other local men that worked for them. Their metalwork skills quickly formed a sideline business, that being Melray Fire Apparatus, with some body styles compared to that of Pierce and FWD.
Photo Credit: Roger Bjorge.
Source: Wisconsin fire apparatus
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