Firefighters from around the world face off in Phoenix

PHOENIX — The most physically fit firefighters in the world are competing in downtown Phoenix this week.

“It’s pretty fast and furious. It’s five events, and it goes pretty fast, and they don’t stop moving,” said Capt. Mark Vanacore with the Phoenix Fire Department.

Those five events are a tower climb with a high rise pack, hose drag, rescue dummy pull, hose hoist and forcible entry.

The best part is the course is open to the public during certain times with a $20 donation to local firefighter charities.

“We will run you through the course and give you a time so you can see how you fare against some of the fittest firefighters out there,” Vanacore said.

Time trials continue until Thursday in front of the Phoenix Convention Center on Third Street between Jefferson and Washington streets. The finals are Saturday and Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway.

For more information, including how to sign up, visit Firefighter Combat Challenge.