|
|
|
|
|
28 August 2026
|
Brotherhood, fitness and innovation take centre stage at the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge 2026
The 2026 Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge (DFCC) once again proved that this event is about far more than competition. It is about celebrating the firefighter brotherhood, promoting health and wellness, and strengthening the partnership between Dräger and the firefighting community. This year's event welcomed 20 teams and 87 individual competitors, who took on a fiercely contested series of firefighting challenges that tested strength, endurance, skill and teamwork.
From tower climbs and hose hoists to forcible entry and rescue drags, competitors pushed themselves to their limits while demonstrating the professionalism and determination that define the fire service. Yet beyond the scores and podium finishes, the true winners were the relationships built, the knowledge shared and the camaraderie displayed throughout the event. The DFCC continues to showcase the spirit of unity that exists within the firefighting profession.
A key focus of the challenge remains support for the Healthy Firefighter Initiative, encouraging firefighters to maintain peak physical fitness while raising awareness around occupational health risks, contamination, and long-term wellbeing. Dräger's commitment to protecting firefighters extends beyond emergency incidents and includes helping departments establish safer, healthier working practices throughout their careers.
The opening day also gave attendees an exciting glimpse into the future of firefighting technology. Dräger showcased several innovative solutions, including the PSS AirBoss Connect, an advanced SCBA system designed to deliver enhanced situational awareness, real-time accountability, integrated PASS functionality, Bluetooth-enabled monitoring, and connectivity to the Dräger FireGround accountability platform. Its lightweight ergonomic design helps reduce firefighter fatigue while improving operational safety and incident command visibility.
Firefighters were also introduced to two new helmet platforms expected to arrive in 2027: the Dräger HPS ProGuard and Dräger HPS ProRescue. These next-generation helmets have been developed to provide enhanced comfort, protection, communications integration and operational versatility, ensuring firefighters and rescue personnel can work safer and more effectively in demanding environments.
The DFCC continues to highlight the strong partnership between Dräger and the fire service. By combining frontline feedback with innovative technology, Dräger remains committed to its mission of delivering "Technology for Life" and supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Congratulations to all the winners, podium finishers and participants who made this year's challenge such a success. A special congratulations also goes to the defending champions, who once again demonstrated the standard of excellence that the competition is renowned for.
We would like to thank every firefighter, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to another outstanding event. We now look forward to welcoming the firefighting community back for the 7th edition of the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge on 23-24 July 2027. We cannot wait to host all firefighters once again for another celebration of brotherhood, fitness, innovation and firefighting excellence.
Photo gallery
Results
Source: Wimpie van Onselen, Dräger South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Quotes of the week
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-8-no-6.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-7-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.frimedia.org
www.fireandrescue.co
Facebook
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
Twitter
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/
From tower climbs and hose hoists to forcible entry and rescue drags, competitors pushed themselves to their limits while demonstrating the professionalism and determination that define the fire service. Yet beyond the scores and podium finishes, the true winners were the relationships built, the knowledge shared and the camaraderie displayed throughout the event. The DFCC continues to showcase the spirit of unity that exists within the firefighting profession.
A key focus of the challenge remains support for the Healthy Firefighter Initiative, encouraging firefighters to maintain peak physical fitness while raising awareness around occupational health risks, contamination, and long-term wellbeing. Dräger's commitment to protecting firefighters extends beyond emergency incidents and includes helping departments establish safer, healthier working practices throughout their careers.
The opening day also gave attendees an exciting glimpse into the future of firefighting technology. Dräger showcased several innovative solutions, including the PSS AirBoss Connect, an advanced SCBA system designed to deliver enhanced situational awareness, real-time accountability, integrated PASS functionality, Bluetooth-enabled monitoring, and connectivity to the Dräger FireGround accountability platform. Its lightweight ergonomic design helps reduce firefighter fatigue while improving operational safety and incident command visibility.
Firefighters were also introduced to two new helmet platforms expected to arrive in 2027: the Dräger HPS ProGuard and Dräger HPS ProRescue. These next-generation helmets have been developed to provide enhanced comfort, protection, communications integration and operational versatility, ensuring firefighters and rescue personnel can work safer and more effectively in demanding environments.
The DFCC continues to highlight the strong partnership between Dräger and the fire service. By combining frontline feedback with innovative technology, Dräger remains committed to its mission of delivering "Technology for Life" and supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Congratulations to all the winners, podium finishers and participants who made this year's challenge such a success. A special congratulations also goes to the defending champions, who once again demonstrated the standard of excellence that the competition is renowned for.
We would like to thank every firefighter, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to another outstanding event. We now look forward to welcoming the firefighting community back for the 7th edition of the Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge on 23-24 July 2027. We cannot wait to host all firefighters once again for another celebration of brotherhood, fitness, innovation and firefighting excellence.
Photo gallery
Results
Source: Wimpie van Onselen, Dräger South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Quotes of the week
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-8-no-6.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-7-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.frimedia.org
www.fireandrescue.co
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/