400 Firefighters Clash in UKRO Festival of Rescue Showdown
More than 400 firefighters from nearly 40 UK fire and rescue services, plus a special team from Ukraine, descended on Birmingham’s Smithfield for the UK Rescue Organisation’s spectacular Festival of Rescue 2022. Hosted by West Midlands Fire Service, the free, action-packed event celebrated the brave skills of fire crews beyond just tackling blazes.
Battle of the Best: Rescue Challenges Galore
Teams went head-to-head in grueling challenges judged by top experts. The events tested every ounce of skill with contests including:
- Rope rescue from heights
- Water rescue operations
- Trauma care
- Urban search and rescue in collapsed buildings
- Extracting casualties from wrecked vehicles
This year also marked the debut of the UK Firefighter Fitness Challenge and a Fire Cadets competition, injecting fresh energy into the festival.
WMFS Boss Hails Festival’s Spirit and Skills
“We’re super-excited to be welcoming firefighters from across the country and to give our communities a chance to be wowed by their skills! A firefighter does so much more than fighting fires. The UKRO Festival of Rescue shines a spotlight on their rescue expertise and fosters learning through friendly competition,” said West Midlands Fire Service Area Commander Samantha Burton.
Phil Loach, WMFS Chief Fire Officer, added: “It’s been a privilege to host the festival and showcase the best of Birmingham and the West Midlands. Congratulations to all the winners. Beyond competition, this event is a valuable chance for colleagues to learn, connect, and improve services for communities.”
Top Winners at a Glance
Award Winner Fire Cadets Casualty Care Challenge – Best Overall Team West Midlands (Winners), Northampton (2nd), Derbyshire (3rd) Firefighter Fitness Challenge 18-30 Tim Frost Firefighter Fitness Challenge 31-40 Ivan Horbacz Firefighter Fitness Challenge 41-50 Phil Morris Firefighter Fitness Challenge 51-55 Andrew Botterill Firefighter Fitness Challenge 55+ Aghia Pal Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Best Overall Team London (Winners), Avon (2nd), West Midlands (3rd) Water Challenge Best Overall Team South Wales (Winners), Surrey (2nd), Hereford and Worcester (3rd) Rope Rescue Best Overall Team London (Winners), Hampshire & Isle of Wight (2nd), West Midlands (3rd) Trauma Challenge Best Overall Team London (Winner), Hampshire & Isle of Wight (2nd), West Midlands (B) (3rd) Heavy Rescue Best Overall Team West Midlands & Hampshire & Isle of Wight (Joint Winners) Extrication Best Overall Team Greater Manchester (Winner), Northumberland (2nd), Hereford & Worcester (3rd)
For more fierce firefighting action, tips, and updates, keep your eyes peeled – the UKRO Festival of Rescue is the ultimate showcase of bravery and skill!
