NSW Firefighters Championships, Day 1 | Photos, Video

The championships put firefighters from right across the state – and a visiting Victorian brigade – through competitive events showcasing the skills applicable to their emergency response work.

(Click or swipe through the above gallery to get a taste of day one and the pump and ladder event on a chilly Bega morning.)

The NSW Firefighters Championships were officially opened by newly appointed Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter, Assistant Commissioner Rob McNeil, Parliamentary Secretary for the Deputy Premier Bronnie Taylor MLC and Bega Valley Shire councillor Sharon Tapscott.

Twenty-two teams from across NSW as well as some visiting teams from Victoria were in Bega to take part over two days, putting their firefighting skills to the test in a competitive environment.

Assistant Commissioner McNeil, who is also the championships director, told the Bega District News it came down to "the four C's” – competency, capability, commitment and credibility.

He said firefighters can know what to do with their skills and gear, but when pressure is on and lives are at stake, accuracy and safety is critical.

“In a competitive environment, everyone feels the pressure, you're on display,” he said.

"These are real skills and all very aligned with what we do on the fireground.

“And it's a way of refining those skills you can't usually do unless you have a real emergency when lives are at stake.”

Assistant Commissioner McNeil said the championships held throughout the year across NSW have the added benefit of increasing teamwork and camaraderie throughout the brigades.

"So when we come together for state disasters – like the recent floods at Lismore – they're like a hand in glove, all working together.

“I'm very proud of what they do. They have all come here in their own time and on their own dollar just to compete – and have fun!”

Brigades competing in Bega are:

The championships run through to around 4.30pm Saturday then again on Sunday, May 7, 7.30am until 1pm, at the Keith Mitchell Sportsground (Valley Fields)