Firefighters Battle it Out at UKRO Festival of Rescue 2022
More than 400 firefighters from nearly 40 UK fire and rescue services, plus a guest team from Ukraine, went head-to-head in a fierce display of skill and speed. Hosted by West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) at Birmingham’s bustling Smithfield site, this free two-day festival showcased the best in rescue operations.
Gripping Challenges Put Firefighters to the Test
Teams faced off across a variety of demanding challenges, each judged by experts:
- Rope rescue (from height)
- Water rescue
- Trauma care
- Urban search and rescue (collapsed structures)
- Releasing casualties from crashed vehicles
This year kicked off with fresh additions too – the inaugural UK Firefighter Fitness Challenge and a special contest for Fire Cadets, adding extra heat to the competition.
Festival Organisers & Fire Chiefs Praise Event
“We’re super-excited to welcome firefighters from across the country and give communities a chance to be wowed by their skills!” said Area Commander Samantha Burton from WMFS. “This festival is about more than fighting fires – it’s a spotlight on rescue expertise and a chance for teams to learn from each other.”
WMFS Chief Fire Officer Phil Loach added: “It’s been a privilege hosting the festival and showcasing the best of Birmingham and the West Midlands. This event not only crowns winners but builds valuable connections that enhance all our emergency services.”
Top Winners at the UKRO Festival of Rescue 2022
Award Winner(s) Fire Cadets Casualty Care Challenge Best Overall Team West Midlands (Winners), Northampton (2nd), Derbyshire (3rd) Firefighter Fitness Challenge Winners by Age Group 18-30: Tim Frost, 31-40: Ivan Horbacz, 41-50: Phil Morris, 51-55: Andrew Botterill, 55+: Aghia Pal USAR Best Incident Commander 1. London, 2. Avon, 3. West Midlands USAR Best Technical Team 1. London, 2. Avon, 3. West Midlands Water Challenge Best Overall Team South Wales (Winners), Surrey (2nd), Hereford & Worcester (3rd) Rope Rescue Best Overall Team London (Winners), Hampshire & Isle of Wight (2nd), West Midlands (3rd) Trauma Challenge Best Overall Team London (Winners), Hampshire & Isle of Wight (2nd), West Midlands (B) (3rd) Heavy Rescue Best Overall Team West Midlands & Hampshire & Isle of Wight (Joint Winners), South Wales Bridge End (2nd), Lincolnshire & Avon (3rd) Extrication Best Overall Team Greater Manchester (Winners), Northumberland (2nd), Hereford & Worcester (3rd)
With such stiff competition and world-class skills on show, the UKRO Festival of Rescue 2022 proved to be an unmissable spectacle for both professionals and the public.
