Parkes Firefighter Championship a big success

Published: 25th May 2011

Under perfect Autumn conditions, 22 teams of firefighters battled it out at the Parkes Firefighter Championships over the weekend.

Zone records were broken in several events, with a new record time of 45.76 seconds set by Mudgee Brigade in the rescue event.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins described the weekend as a terrific opportunity to meet firefighters from across the state.

"It was good to see the camaraderie amongst all the teams which also helped to strengthen professional bonds between colleagues, while providing firefighters with an opportunity to test and hone their life-saving skills," Commissioner Mullins said.

Director Regional Operations, Assistant Commissioner Jim Hamilton, had the opportunity to once again oversee a successful event.

"Congratulations go to FRNSW Kelso Fire Brigade who were the local champions, and to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) team from Kootingal who were the invitational champions for the day," Assistant Commissioner Hamilton said.

The event also saw the return of competitors representing Peak Hill, Balranald and Young fire stations.

"The attendance of teams from as far away as Holmesville, Wyong and Finley as well as teams of Echuca in Victoria and Kootingal RFS added to the excitement of the championships," Assistant Commissioner Hamilton said.

"I would like to personally thank the Parkes Brigade for hosting such a successful event."

More than 100 spectators attended the championships and took the opportunity to visit a number of educational displays. They were also able to talk to firefighters about how to prevent and prepare for fires and other emergencies.

The next championship will be held at Grafton on 23-24 July 2011.
 
The top five teams were:
  1. Kootingal Rural Fire Brigade
  2. Kelso Fire Brigade
  3. Dorrigo Fire Brigade
  4. Echuca Fire Brigade (Victoria)