Teams from across Wales compete in fire cadets challenge

Teams of young people from across Wales gathered on Sunday, 21st July, at Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre for the annual Fire Cadets Challenge, as reported by South Wales Fire and Rescue.

The competition saw 12 teams from South Wales and one team from Mid and West Wales participate in various firefighting-related challenges, vying for the title of Fire Cadets Challenge winners.

The Fire Cadets programme offers young people a unique insight into working within an emergency service.

Participants are treated as young trainee firefighters and learn basic skills through weekly activities at local fire stations.

These skills are put to the test annually at the Cadets Challenge.

Highlights of the challenges and winners

The competition featured several challenges, including Home Fire Safety Check, Equipment Assembly, and a Trauma Challenge.

Teams were judged on speed, communication, teamwork, presentation, and technique.

Bridgend team completed the Equipment Assembly in the quickest time, while Merthyr team excelled in the Home Fire Safety Check.

Bridgend and Malpas tied in the Trauma Challenge, and Abergavenny, Barry, Roath, and Tonypandy shared the Presentation Challenge win.

A standout result was the BA crawl ways activity, where teams navigated a dark, confined space.

The Tredegar team set a record, completing it in 36 seconds.

Watch Manager Tom Watson commented: “Our unit showed real determination at the Fire Cadets Challenge, and I was proud of the level of skills they demonstrated.”

Tribute to Donna Crossman

This year’s challenge included a tribute to Donna Crossman, South Wales Fire and Rescue’s Youth Services Manager, who tragically passed away in a road traffic incident.

The Fire Cadets Challenge award was named the Donna Crossman Award in her honor.

Amy Jenkins, Fire Cadet Manager at SWFRS, expressed pride in the cadets’ performance, saying: “All of the cadets worked really hard throughout the day and encouraged each other through the challenges to overcome them as a team.”

Conclusion and future events

The event concluded with a presentation ceremony, where Malpas Fire Cadets were named overall winners and received the Donna Crossman Award.

The day was marked by both celebration and remembrance.

The National Cadet Games will be hosted by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2025 at Cardiff Met University.

Fire cadets challenge sees fierce competition among young firefighters in Wales: Summary

On 21st July, young people from across Wales competed in the annual Fire Cadets Challenge at Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre.

Teams from South Wales and Mid and West Wales participated in various firefighting-related challenges.

Bridgend, Merthyr, Tredegar, and other teams excelled in different activities.

This year’s event paid tribute to Donna Crossman, with the overall winners receiving the Donna Crossman Award.

The National Cadet Games will be held in 2025 at Cardiff Met University.