Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025: Registrations close tomorrow, 23 September 2025!
The 10th edition of the prestigious Toughest Firefighter Alive Southern Africa Open Championship 2025 will be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality at the Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape, from Thursday, 9 to Saturday, 11 October 2025. The TFA-SA is based on the international ‘Toughest Firefighter Alive’ Challenge, the blue-ribbon event of the World Firefighter Games (WFG). Individuals, municipalities, volunteer organisations, private firefighting companies, industrial and military firefighters are encouraged to participate in TFA-SA. This event fosters collaboration and team building, enhances service delivery by promoting fitter, stronger firefighters, building camaraderie, fostering a sense of trust, mutual respect and friendship among first responders while strengthening community relations and restoring pride in the fire services. This year we welcome teams from Botswana and Namibia!
International support This year’s event will also be attended by the founder of Toughest Firefighter Alive International and the World Firefighters Games, Mr John Hartley from Australia, as well as the host/organiser of the 2026 event, Mr Andrew Birch of ARAMCO, who will be joined by his colleague, Mr Faisal Dossary, in support of the 10th anniversary of the South African Toughest Firefighter Alive, a milestone in promoting firefighter fitness, safety and community involvement in South Africa!
A message from Mark Smith “TFA 2025 is the 10th Edition of the event in South Africa. It is encouraging to see how the competition has grown and the impact it has within the firefighting community. As it has been stated before it takes a special person with a mind-set that is always willing to be challenged to do the gruelling TFA. As you prepare for the competition it is a good time to reflect of one of basketball’s most successful coach, John Wooden’s philosophy as he valued personal development ahead of winning. Wooden recognises that “Personal excellence – the foundation for success!” The TFA Competition and any competition can be a tool to develop positive character traits through hard work and perseverance: industriousness, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, condition, skill, team spirit, poise and confidence”, said Mark Smith, founder and organiser.
He added, “As you prepare for the competition, enjoy the journey of success. There will be high and lows, victories and defeats but always persevere and seek to develop yourself which will be the foundation of further success in whatever you do. Everything of the best: and remember being consistent in preparation is key.”
The top winners of the TFA-SA will compete in the 16th World Firefighters Games (WFG26) to be held in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia on 5 to 13 November 2026.
TFA-SA stages Stage 1: Hose advance and make-up Stage 2: Obstacle course including Kaiser Force machine, dummy drag, container through tunnel and wall climb/jump Stage 3: Tower run including equipment carry and hose hoist Stage 4: Run in full gear
Registration Registration closes 23 September 2025 To partake in the competition the following is required: • Completed registration forms • Indemnity forms • Driver’s license or ID • Proof of payment of registration fee
Entry fees • Individual: R400 each • Team: R1 200 per team
Sponsorships: Support our firefighters! Great sponsorship package are available: Main sponsors, prize sponsorships etc. Contact Lee Raath-Brownie on mobile 082 371 0190 or email: lee@fireandrescue.co.
Exhibit at TFA-SA 2025 The TFA 2025 will once again offer special exhibitor packages with stands sizes: 3x3m and 6x3m. Contact Lee Raath-Brownie on mobile 082 371 0190 or email: lee@fireandrescue.co to discuss your special offer!
Beyond the main competition, the Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted alongside the Dräger South Africa Youth Challenge to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition.
To sponsor and exhibit, contact Lee Raath-Brownie at Fire and Rescue International on mobile: 082 371 0190 or email: lee@fireandrescue.co, official media partner for Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa.
The Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa’s (DMISA) will be holding its prestigious annual Disaster Management Risk Reduction Conference from Wednesday, 22 to Thursday, 23 October 2025. This highly anticipated event will convene at the renowned Sun City Resort in the picturesque Northwest Province of South Africa, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, academics and stakeholders from across the country and beyond for two days of learning, networking and collaboration. This year, the conference is unified under the overarching theme: ‘A decade of Sendai in Southern Africa: Progress, gaps, and the road ahead’. As we mark ten years since the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, there is an opportunity not only to reflect on the strides made across the region but also to critically examine persisting challenges and chart a course for meaningful progress in the years to come.
Cancer awareness for first responders a legacy of 9/11
Awareness of the cancer risks associated with firefighting is one of the enduring legacies of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City, according to those who work with first responders. In addition to a heightened awareness of the potential for fire scenes to include a criminal element, Chris McClune, EMS chief for the South Lockport Fire Company, said, “9/11 ended up being a huge event for cancer in the fire service. Firefighters are still dying from exposure to Ground Zero. All of our firefighters are covered for cancer. And that’s not necessarily for the day of the event. This will affect people for decades to come. It was just a very unfortunate situation that opened our eyes to the long-term effects.”
KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA and Western Cape Government sign Collaboration Protocol
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Rev T Buthelezi and Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Mr Anton Bredell, signed a Collaboration Protocol at the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre. From fires, floods, droughts and storms to disease outbreaks and the growing impacts of climate change, disasters know no boundaries.
State-of-the-art firefighting trainer opens at Culdrose, UK
After the first flash of brilliant flames, the blast of intense heat is, for a few seconds at least, uncomfortable, then alarming and frankly terrifying. Anyone would be tempted to immediately flee but Royal Navy aircraft handlers are trained do the exact opposite, to run towards danger. This is the new £4.4-million Fire Rescue Training Centre at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) in Culdrose, Cornwall in the UK. It was officially handed over to the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations in August 2025. Built of steel on two levels, with rooms, corridors and stairwells, the facility can be used to simulate a burning building or ship.
eThekwini firefighters receive world-class training to combat complex emergencies
To elevate its emergency response and to ensure public safety, eThekwini Municipality’s Fire Services Directorate completed a high-impact Advanced Breathing Apparatus Training Course, empowering firefighters with world-class skills to tackle complex emergencies. This intensive training aligns with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1404, whose principles and practises are internationally-recognised. They ensure firefighters are fully equipped to operate safely in hazardous environments.
Major fire in Manila leave more than 1 000 homeless
A major fire on Saturday, 13 September 2025, in the Tondo district of Manila, Philippines, destroyed numerous shanty homes and displaced over a 1 000 families. The YouTube video reports that the massive fire tore through the residential area, leaving a significant number of families without homes. Footage of the scale of the fire was shared by the Manila Public Information Office, which said that the fire had been brought under control. Three people are said to have been injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
From prevention to protection — your fire safety solutions in one place
The Western Cape’s varied landscapes and rapid urban development bring with them a range of fire safety challenges. From densely populated city centres to remote industrial sites, and from heritage buildings to new high-rise developments, the region’s facilities face distinct risks that demand tailored solutions. Firexpo Cape Town, running from 21 to 23 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), brings together the people, products and knowledge you need to address these realities head-on.
Meet the Black Eagle: Tampa Fire Rescue’s newest fireboat, US
Tampa Fire Rescue officially welcomed the Black Eagle, a 38-foot state-of-the-art fireboat, at a ceremony with city officials, fire leadership, and community partners. This advanced vessel will enhance our marine firefighting, search and rescue and emergency response capabilities across Tampa Bay and Port Tampa Bay.
South Africa’s Emergency Medical Services hit by chronic ambulance shortfall and paramedic crisis
South Africa’s Emergency Medical Services faces a shortage crisis across two crucial elements: ambulances and paramedics. The public health sector requires 2,221 more ambulances, meaning delivering critical care is increasingly difficult. A horrific car crash, a major shootout, even a gas tanker explosion. These are a few of the kinds of emergencies that South Africa’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) members respond to, often without enough ambulances or workers, adding additional pressure down the pipeline of the public health system and a very real, human cost to the public when an ambulance doesn’t respond timeously or is unable to respond.
Fighting fire with research: How a scientist is protecting people and property from wildfires
Hundreds of large wildfires burn through the United States each year. With very little notice, a wildfire can become a disaster in populated areas near forested wildlands ie the wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. Fire protection engineer Alex Maranghides is a long-time leader in the WUI fire research group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He and his team have investigated some of the most devastating wildfire disasters of the last 20 years, from the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado to the Camp Fire, which destroyed Paradise, California. Alex and his team used these investigations to learn about how fire moves through a community, find vulnerabilities and evaluate evacuation procedures. Using these investigations, as well as controlled laboratory experiments, Alex led the effort to create practical guidance for saving lives during fires.
City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department joined forces with the SA Red Cross Society to reduce fire risks by Installing smoke detectors in Kameeldrift East informal settlement.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Eugene Modise, the MMC for Community Safety Alderman Hannes Coetzee, MMC for Housing and Human Settlements Alderman Aaron Maluleka, MMC for Economic Development Cllr Sarah Mabotsa and Chief of Emergency Services Mr Moshema Mosia, in collaboration with the South African Red Cross Society, joined the community on an initiative to install smoke detectors in Kameeldrift East Informal Settlement on Thursday, 4 September 2025. This project is part of a broader effort to equip community members with essential knowledge and practical experience on fire risk identification, assessment and reduction measures.
Featured FRI Magazine article: Culture of the emergency services by Wayne Bailey
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: Culture of the emergency services written by Wayne Bailey (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: Hamilton Fire Station 1 aka The Big House, in Hamilton, Ontario in Canada
Canada’s Hamilton Fire Station 1 in Hamilton, Ontario is a full time station. Built in 1913, the fire station is situated at 35 – 43 John Street North in Hamilton. From the incorporation of the Town of Hamilton in 1833, the headquarters for Hamilton’s fire services, Central Fire Station 1, stood on King William between Hughson and John streets. In 1913 a new headquarters building was erected around the corner on John South, complete with a modern fire alarm system. The building was just recently updated and refurbished. Fire Station 1 serves the downtown and core of Hamilton. It has the smallest district in the city being only 11 blocks wide and 26 blocks long. Its primary response district is only 4,14 square kilometres of the 1 200 square kilometres that make up the City Of Hamilton. Despite its small district it managed to respond to approximately 4 000 calls a year. Station 1’s district may be the most diverse of all of the districts in the city. From the bay to the bottom of the escarpment, it has variety.
Technology: Rapid response: Exploring the development of next gen firefighting aircraft
Two days into the wildfires that devastated huge swathes of Los Angeles earlier this year, Neptune Aviation got the call to deploy. The Montana-based aviation company, which has been fighting wildfires in the USA since the early 1990s, immediately sent one of its fleet of nine air tankers to California. “We had three planes already on station in Southern California when the fire started, and then we deployed the fourth one,” said Nicholas Lynn, Neptune’s vice president of operations.
Fitness: Which approach to firefighter fitness is right for you?
The quad press is a great exercise for firefighters to develop pressing strength while improving joint health.
Source: Firefighter Peak Performance
Training: Aerial operations: Straight stick
In this fire truck tower ladder training video, “Training to perform under pressure” instructor, Steve Ripley, aka “Rip”, features the advantages and limitations of a straight stick aerial.
Source: Fire Spotlight
Vintage: Classic fire engines on show
Step into the world of classic fire engine collecting, one of the most unique and passionate branches of the classic vehicle hobby. Discover rare and beautifully restored fire engines, once serving on the roads of the UK, now lovingly brought back to life by dedicated enthusiasts. From hunting down vintage equipment to painstaking restoration, see how these incredible machines are preserved in all their glory. Whether you’re a classic car lover or fascinated by fire trucks, this showcase offers a glimpse into a fascinating world of dedication and history.
Source: The Great British Channel
Inspiration: True leadership
In every career, you’ll meet people who become so consumed with their own advancement that they forget the value of helping others. It’s an unfortunate truth; sometimes what looks like support is really self-interest in disguise. But here’s the lesson: not everyone will genuinely invest in your growth and that’s okay. What matters is that you stay committed to lifting others up. True leadership isn’t about using people as stepping stones, it’s about leaving them stronger than when you found them. When you encounter those who are only in it for themselves, don’t let their choices discourage you. Let it remind you of the leader you want to be: one who mentors, encourages and supports without expecting anything in return.
Source: CFT Fire Operations
Just for fun
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles and in any corresponding comments are the opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fire and Rescue International editorial team or its management.
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
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine. Read it, use it and share it!
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
Inspiration: Quote of the week
Just for fun
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles and in any corresponding comments are the opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fire and Rescue International editorial team or its management.
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