LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The 35th annual World Firefighter Challenge Championship is taking place this week in the Plaza Hotel and Casino parking lot in downtown Las Vegas, running from Oct. 19 through Oct. 24.
Three hundred eighty-six firefighters from 21 countries will race head-to-head in an event ESPN calls “the toughest two minutes in sports.” Competitors climb a five-story tower, hoist heavy gear, chop, drag hoses and pull a 165-pound rescue dummy, all while wearing full turnout gear and breathing apparatus.
The event is free and open to the public.
Schedule
- Monday through Thursday: Qualifying rounds, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday: Individual world title finals, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday: Tandem and relay finals, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City leaders say the event gives families, including children considering a career in public safety, a chance to see the strength, courage and teamwork required to be a firefighter…