Hundreds of firefighters compete in a spectacular competition in Göttingen!

Hundreds of firefighters compete in a spectacular competition in Göttingen!

From Friday, July 18th, 2025, firefighters from all over Europe will gather in Göttingen to take part in the renowned Fire Fighter Combat Challenge to prove. The TFA Team Leinetal is now organizing this exciting competition for the second time at the Jahnstadion sports park. The competition is not only intended to awaken the fire brigade's ambition, but also to simulate real fire brigade operations and provide the necessary training for emergencies.

Last year around 220 firefighters from Europe and Kuwait attracted spectators. This year too, numerous international teams are expected to show off their skills. The course that the participants have to complete consists of five challenging stations. This includes, for example, carrying a 20 kilogram hose package up to a twelve meter high tower and simulating a human rescue by transporting an 80 kilogram dummy over 30 meters.

The challenging course

The Fire Fighter Combat Challenge includes five demanding disciplines that are a real testimonial for the fitness and operational ability of the firefighters. Each station brings with it challenging physical demands:

• Stair climb with a high-rise pack
• Hose hoist
• Forcible entry
• Hose advance
• Victim rescue

The goal is to complete all five events in a total time of under six minutes. Times under three minutes, which are considered excellent, are particularly impressive.

This year, particular attention is being paid to the current weather conditions, as the ongoing drought increases the risk of forest fires. These circumstances make the exercises particularly relevant and necessary. During a large-scale exercise in Göhrde, emergency services recently practiced fighting fires in difficult-to-access terrain under real conditions, which underlines the urgency of preparation.

International fire brigade competitions

The Göttingen event is part of a long tradition of international fire brigade competitions. According to that International Fire Brigade Association (CTIF), these have been held as world championships every four years since 1961. In recent years, thousands of participants from different countries have taken part. This not only focuses on the physical abilities of the firefighters, but also on the team spirit and strategic cooperation, which are of utmost importance in real operations.

With such high-profile competitions, each participant is given the opportunity to grow while strengthening the firefighter community. Since its inception in 1991, the Firefighter Combat Challenge has increasingly developed into a major international event that offers firefighters a platform to demonstrate and further improve their skills and fitness.