06/01/2026
Smiths Falls Fire Department is excited to participate in the EOFA games this year.
Our friends in Mississippi Mills are hosting and have shared lots of really great info.
Hope to see you there!
🚒 Watch Fireground Skills in Action at the EOFA Games🚒
On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the Mississippi Mills Fire Department is proud to host the 114th Eastern Ontario Firefighters Association Convention in Pakenham. The day begins with the Opening Ceremony and Captains’ Meeting at 8:30 am, with competition starting at 9:00 am. The Games will take place off Margaret Street, behind the Stewart Community Centre, and admission is free for spectators.
The EOFA Games are all about strength, teamwork, speed, coordination, and skill under pressure. Throughout the day, firefighters from across Eastern Ontario will compete in a series of demanding events that reflect the physical challenges, teamwork, and task-based problem-solving required on the fireground.
Here are some of the events you’ll see in action:
🔥 Hose Coupling Events
In the 4 Person Hose Coupling and 8 Person Hose Coupling, teams race to connect hose lengths quickly and correctly under pressure. These events test teamwork, communication, coordination, and speed — all critical skills when every second counts on scene.
🪜 Ladder Climb Events
The 3 Person Ladder Climb and 5 Person Bunker Gear Ladder Climb challenge competitors to move efficiently while carrying out a physically demanding task. The bunker gear version adds an extra layer of difficulty by requiring firefighters to perform while wearing full protective gear, demonstrating strength, endurance, and control.
🏃 Bunker Gear Relay
This event combines speed, stamina, and teamwork, with firefighters moving through a relay while dressed in bunker gear. It’s a crowd favourite that highlights the physical demands firefighters face while operating in full equipment.
💧 Hose Lay and Insert Events
The 5 Person Hose Lay (Wye) and 4 Person Insert feature technical hose work that requires precision and teamwork. These events reflect the kind of coordinated actions firefighters use when deploying hose lines and setting up water operations at emergency scenes.
🚨 Efficiency Events
The 5 Person Efficiency and 8 Person Efficiency events bring together multiple firefighting skills in one fast-paced challenge. These events test how well a crew can work together to complete a sequence of tasks smoothly, safely, and quickly.
🪣 Bucket Brigade
The 8 Person Bucket Brigade is a fast-paced, team-driven event inspired by traditional firefighting methods. Crews work together to fill buckets from a portable water tank (port-a-tank) and pass them person-to-person up a ladder, just as firefighters did in the early days before modern fire apparatus. Success depends on rhythm, coordination, and teamwork—making it both a challenging and highly entertaining event for spectators.
👨🚒 Chiefs Race
The Chiefs Race adds a bit of friendly rivalry and fun to the day, giving fire chiefs the chance to join the action and show off their competitive spirit.
Whether you know the sport or are seeing it for the first time, the EOFA Games are a great opportunity to watch firefighters put their training, teamwork, and determination on display. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and a great way to support the departments that serve our communities.
Come out, cheer loud, and be part of a proud local tradition in Pakenham on June 20th.📣
