Select teams of fire and rescue personnel from across the region will vie against each other in a test of fitness, expertise and skill, at the 2nd UAE International FireFit Championship, taking place during Intersec Trade Fair and Conference at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (16-18 January 2011). 

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE International FireFit Championship also enjoys the support of Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development and Dubai Civil Defence. 

After a popular debut at Intersec 2010, the championship is back bigger and better. Teams from all 7 emirates of the UAE, the best fire-fighters from Kuwait and other stalwart teams from across the GCC will cross swords with Canada for top honours during this three day event.

“The FireFit Championship is a great platform and proving ground for fire and rescue professionals to compare their skills and expertise against leading teams from around the world,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, and Organiser of Intersec. “Apart from professional rivalry and competitiveness, the event gives teams a chance to review and analyse the effectiveness of their emergency response tactics and to learn from others in the same field.”

Mohammed Al Ahmadi, General Manager of 911 Fire Fighting and founder of the championship, said: “The popularity of the championship has been tremendous and it has attracted attention from across the region. In fact, we have teams participating from the GCC for the first time.  The real beauty of the championship is that they are a way to recognise and appreciate the work of firefighters – real true heroes who save lives and fight fire as part of their every day job.”

The UAE International FireFit Championship is being jointly organised by 911 Fire Fighting and FireFit of Canada with the encouragement and support of Dubai Civil Defence. The event is sponsored by Naffco. Fire-fighters will compete against each other in full turnout gear - including helmet, fire-retardant gear, boots, gloves and breathing apparatus - over the following six categories: Stair Climb; Hose Hoist; Forced Entry; Run over set course; Hose Advance and Victim Rescue. Competing teams will try to finish the set tasks in the least amount of time.

Apart from the UAE International FireFit Championship, Intersec 2011 will also feature the Intersec Conference, an extensive outdoor demonstration of counter terror and tactical deployment methods and the Exhibitors’ Experts Forum.