FIREFIGHTERS in Birchwood are calling on people to support competitors taking part in the Cheshire Firefighter Challenge next month.

The challenge is part of Birchwood Fire Station’s family fun day with the competition made up of eight sections that test the physical and mental fortitude of firefighters from around the country.

It will take place on June 1 at the University of Chester’s Warrington campus on Crab Lane, running between 9am and 5pm and enable people to witness the work firefighters undertake on a daily basis.

Ryan Cook, challenge organiser and crew manager at Birchwood Fire Station, said: “The Cheshire Firefighter Challenge is a great way for the community to see what challenges firefighters are faced with physically and mentally in their line of duty.

“The event is free to attend and promises a fun-filled day for not only those taking part in the competition, but all those spectating.

“We would love to see as many people as possible come along to the event, have a great time and leave with the knowledge of what it takes to be a firefighter and of course vital messages to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Challenges in the competition will include firefighter-based activities such as the ‘stair ascent’, the ‘Angus Fire Hose Drag’ and the ‘Ruth Lee Casualty Rescue’.

In addition to the professional firefighters taking part, Warrington Wolves’ and Chester Fire and Rescue Service’s mascots, Wolfie and Blaze Bear, are also set to go head-to-head in a novelty contest.

For more information, you can visit cheshirefire.gov.uk.