BAchallengeThe 6th Dräger National Breathing Apparatus Challenge will take place at the Fire Service College this October in what is projected to be the most competitive challenge ever.

Over the past few years, the event has gone from strength to strength, with last year seeing a record 18 teams competing to win the prestigious contest in Morton-in-Marsh.

Organiser, Lee Sketchley, from West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Once again this year, we have had a great deal of interest from brigades across the whole of the UK. Each team faces real life scenarios on the day, it’s a truly tough challenge, but one which is hugely important for the industry.

"The event is all about maintaining the high standards of the fire service, of which we’re incredibly proud – it’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and develop our knowledge and experience."

Teams from across the UK Fire and Rescue Services are tested against stringent and nationally recognised standards in a team firefighting challenge to find the best BA team of the year. Awards recognised on the day include, Top BA Crew, Top Fireground Operative and Top Entry Control Officer as well as overall winning team.

Explaining why Draeger are once again backing the event on 12 October Sales Director Phil Saxton said: "It is a prestigious and nationally recognised event, which is growing in popularity year on year. After sponsoring the challenge now for the past six years, it has become synonymous with all that Dräger stands for and we’re proud to be able to back the wider firefighting community.

“As well as being an exciting challenge for all concerned, it provides a great opportunity for firefighting teams from across the country to get together and learn from each other and to promote best practice across the whole of the UK. We look forward to attending the event in October.”