GEORGE NEWS - Three days of adrenaline, endurance and fun kicks off at the Garden Route Mall today, 9 October, during the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA SA) 2025 competition.
The competition features a packed three-day programme, including the TFA-Dräger Young Adults Challenge on Friday and the exciting Western Cape EMS Metro Rescue demonstrations throughout the weekend.
A total of 42 teams from across the country registered for the competition, and there were about 160 individual entries.
Seven-time national champion Emile Conrad, a firefighter with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), says he's been burning more calories planning the event than training for it.
"Our GRDM team is eager to defend our title after winning last year," he says. The GRDM also fields an over-40s team for the competition.
Conrad will travel to Dallas, Texas, on 16 October to represent South Africa at the World Firefighter Challenge Championships, held from 20 to 25 October.
The TFA SA is hosted in partnership with the Garden Route District Municipality, George Municipality and industry partners. It brings together some of the country's fittest and bravest firefighters to compete in a series of gruelling challenges that test strength, stamina and teamwork.
The opening ceremony, set for Thursday 9 October, will include messages of support from Garden Route District Mayor Andrew Stroebel and George Mayor Jackie von Brandis.
Little firefighters: Wyatt Elliot (7), Themica Lottering (6) and Matthew Conrad (8). Photo: Anneke Elliot
Mini firefighters
The highlight for local families will be the Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge at the Garden Route Mall (behind Johnson's Workwear) from 09:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 11 October.
Designed especially for children, the mini event offers a fun and safe way for young participants to experience the thrill of firefighting.
Children can crawl through tunnels, roll up hoses, drag dummies and navigate obstacle courses that mimic real-life firefighting drills. This happens in a non-competitive, confidence-building environment.
Parents are encouraged to guide their children through the course, and the first 300 'mini firefighters' to complete the challenge will each receive a medal and a gift pack.
Western Cape Fire Chief Deon Stoffels says events like these not only showcase the skill and dedication of the firefighters, but also inspire the next generation. "It's about teamwork, courage and community," he says. "The mini challenge gives kids a glimpse into the discipline and fun of the firefighting world."
Registration for the children's challenge takes place on-site from 09:00, and participation is free of charge.
Matthew Conrad (8) shows how it's done. Photo: Anneke Elliot
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