'You've got to stay fit': Firefighters put their skills to the test at 2023 FireFit
Some of the fittest firefighters from Alberta and the territories were in the Edmonton area Saturday to put their skills to the test.
The FireFit Alberta/Yukon Regional Championship saw 50 competitors battling it out on an obstacle course designed to test their fire fighting abilities.
FireFit originated as a training exercise in B.C., and has been touring nationally since 1994.
Dale McRoberts, former FireFit president, said the competition is a way for firefighters to stay in shape and keep their skills sharp.
"It's healthy training, as all firefighters should do," Roberts said. "If you're going to have a successful career, a 30-year career doing physical work, you've got to stay fit."
Firefighters donned their gear to tackle the course and test their speed, strength and endurance through tasks commonly performed in emergency situations.
A firefighter carries a dummy to safety at the 2023 FireFit Alberta/Yukon Regional Championship in Edmonton on Saturday. (John Hanson/CTV News Edmonton)
Strathcona County's FireFit team were the reigning World and National Champions heading into the competition, taking home four gold medals in 2022.
The competition pits regional teams against each other, but Roberts said there's more to it than that.
"This isn't only for people who are racing to be number one," Roberts said. "A lot of firefighters test themselves on this and they have their own personal goals, so they are winners every time.
"They keep improving, they stay fit and they're better at their job."
National championships will take place in September in Sarnia, Ont.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.