This weekend, some of the best firefighters from the region will gather at Lambton College for the Western Ontario Fire Fit Regionals.
The event is known for its intense challenges that highlight the strength, stamina, and skills needed in firefighting.
On Saturday, competitors will tackle the entire course while wearing bunker gear and using breathing apparatus. On Sunday, there will be two types of relay races.
The opening ceremonies are set for 5 p. m. on Saturday, with competition expected to finish around 9 p. m.
Participants will be back on Sunday at 11 a. m., wrapping up activities by about 4 p. m.
The well-acclaimed team from Lambton College’s fire school is among those participating as they kick off the 2026 Fire Fit season.
They’ll compete against both full-time and volunteer firefighters from various local departments.
Co-Coach Shane Bettridge mentioned that Fire Fit is often referred to as the toughest two minutes in sports.
He explained that competitors begin by racing up a six-story tower while carrying a high-rise pack weighing 42 pounds on their backs.
“They pull up a bundle of hose, which is 42 pounds up those six stories,” said Bettridge. “As we come down the tower, there’s a simulated Keiser machine that’s mimicking breaking through a roof. They have to drag a hose that ends up having about 500 pounds of pressure by the time they hit their target. And then the race concludes with what many consider to be the hardest part: dragging Rescue Randy, who weighs 175 pounds, back 100 feet to cross the finish line.”
Bettridge feels confident about their chances this year with the Lambton College team made up of 15 members.
The team consists of eight men and seven women; eight members are returning from last year while seven are new faces.
“We’ve had some strong performances in previous years and about half our team is back from last year along with some very capable rookies,” he said. “We’re excited and hopeful for another successful season.”
In 2025, Lambton College’s team secured an impressive total of 36 medals, including seven earned at both the Canadian National and World Championships.
Keira Adams achieved fifth place overall in Women’s Individual Races and earned the esteemed Rookie of the Year Award.
Unfortunately, Friday’s Fire Fit Corporate Challenge was cancelled due to poor air quality resulting from wildfires in northern Ontario.
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