Firefighter Combat Challenge Underway in Tyler

TYLER — The Scott Firefighter Challenge kicked off in Tyler Friday and will continue through Sunday. It’s the tenth year in row for the city of Tyler to compete. The competition is taking place in the Broadway Square Mall parking lot. It’s free to the public. The challenge itself seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and show the public what they go through on a daily basis.

The competitors go head-to-head, competing in five different tasks. They will climb a five story tower, carrying a 42 lb. hose load and will also compete in the vertical ventilation. It simulates chopping a hole in a roof with an ax. Finally, they simulate a victim rescue, carrying a 175 lb. dummy 100 feet to the finish line.

Tyler’s Assistant Fire Marshal Brandon Davis spoke with KETK and said this is something they really have to train for.

“I came to work in 2001 and I’ve been doing it since 2001,” said Davis. “I’m still doing it with some guys that were in the beginning, so it does cause a closeness. It kind of helps keep you in shape for the job too.”

Davis is on relay team with four other Tyler firefighters.