Northern Ont. volunteer firefighters compete in challenge

A first-of-its-kind event aimed at sharpening the skills of volunteer firefighters across the region was held in Iron Bridge on the weekend.

Volunteer firefighters compete in obstacle courses during the North Shore Firefighter Challenge in Iron Bridge, Ont. April 28, 2024 (Cory Nordstrom/CTV Northern Ontario)

Ryan Pfaff, a volunteer firefighter with the Huron Shores, Parkinson and Mississauga First Nation fire departments, said he came up with the idea to create the North Shore Firefighter Challenge in September.

"There's about 60 firefighters competing and there's, with all the volunteer firefighters and some of the coaches and mentors, there's about 100 firefighters here," Pfaff told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an interview.

At least 18 fire halls between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie were represented at the event.

The competition included a timed fire hose relay and a number of search and rescue style obstacle courses created by Pfaff.

Jamie Ames and Shelby Clairmont from the Espanola Fire Department spoke to CTV News after completing one of the courses.

"I think it's pretty true to life. Like, fire ground's really loud, right? So trying to hear everybody is, it's tough," said Ames.

Volunteer firefighters compete in obstacle courses at North Shore Firefighter Challenge in Iron Bridge, Ont. April 28, 2024 (Cory Nordstrom/CTV Northern Ontario)

Clairmont said the challenge is a great training opportunity.

"Not every hall has the same resources. So it's really nice that there's opportunity for halls that might not have things like this at their own hall," she said.

Volunteer firefighters compete in North Shore challenge in Iron Bridge, Ont. April 28, 2024 (Cory Nordstrom/CTV Northern Ontario)

Jason Harrington has volunteered with the Thessalon Fire Department for the last 12 years.

He said it was nerve-racking doing the challenges in front of an audience, but was glad he came.

"Once you get into the groove, it's just pushing yourself to the best you can do and hopefully learning something," Harrington said.

One part of the event that Pfaff said turned out better than expected was the camaraderie between fire departments.

Despite the competition, volunteer firefighters develop camaraderie during North Shore Firefighter Challenge in Iron Bridge. April 28, 2024. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV Northern Ontario)

"It is growing, and that's what's important. Like small departments supporting other small departments," he said.

"Because a lot of us, we have what they call mutual aid because the fire departments aren't big enough in our town … we will likely be working together in the future."

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Family event

The challenge brought hundreds of community members to the Iron Bridge Recreation Centre, with vendors, a kid’s area and a canteen.

Organizer Ali Hoek said they wanted the event to be about more than just the firefighters.

"We really wanted to make sure that this was an event not just for rural firefighters, but for the rural communities themselves," Hoek said.

"As COVID hit and different things, that we do not have the same events and community spirit we may not have always had prior."

Pfaff said they also hope that community members are inspired by seeing what volunteers may have to do in case of emergency and either support or join their local volunteer fire departments.

"There's a large need in our area for volunteer firefighters," he said.

"Unfortunately, it's hard to find guys that will give up, you know, a lot of free time and put themselves at risk and stuff … for the benefit of the community."

The first-ever North Shore Firefighter Challenge was deemed such a success that organizers said it will become an annual event.