06/10/2026
Toughest Fire Fighter Challenge
“A very humbling experience.”
That’s how our crew member, Ed Everton, describes taking on the Toughest Fire Fighter Challenge — a serious physical and mental test that is definitely more than simply pitching up and competing.
The challenge is made up of four consecutive stages, all completed in full structural firefighting gear and breathing apparatus, with each stage having a strict time limit.
🚒 Stage 1: Hoses
A 90 m hose drag, followed by making up two 25 m lengths of 65 mm hose correctly and placing them into boxes.
💪 Stage 2: Four obstacles
The Keiser Force Machine, moving a 70 kg weight over a set distance; navigating a tunnel; dragging an 80 kg dummy approximately 75–80 m; and scaling a 3 m wall using a rope.
🏃 Stage 3: Tower Run
Carrying a 20 L foam can up three flights of stairs, hoisting approximately 50 kg of hose over the top rail, and then carrying the foam can back down.
🔥 Stage 4: 600 m run
A 600 m run in full structural firefighting kit.
And there’s no leisurely recovery between them. The stages run consecutively, with just 10 minutes between each one.
For Ed, the biggest lesson was that preparation is everything.
“You definitely need to plan how you will execute your sections and pace yourself. You need to be physically fit — all-round fitness. Cardio endurance, explosive power and strength training are all required to complete the task ahead of you.”
This year’s preparation took around three to four months, training for approximately 40 minutes at a time — building the strength, endurance and fitness needed for the challenge.
A tough challenge, a valuable experience and one that Ed says he’ll be back for next year.
We’ll be cheering him on. 🔥
