Countywide : They’re Out to Extinguish Competition

Weighted down with about 40 pounds of fire-retardant clothing and rubber boots each, competing firefighters said they almost felt as if they were fighting a real blaze Friday as they dragged 175-pound dummies to the finish line under the hot summer sun.

That was the scene at the Orange County Fair as firefighters from as far away as New Mexico raced against the clock to simulate a rescue in the annual Western Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge.

Competitors climbed scaffolding with equipment in tow, dragged water hoses and forced their way into a burning building. The winning teams may qualify to compete in the national challenge, which will be in January in Tampa, Fla.

“When you finish your muscles feel like rubber,” said Leroy Taylor of the Costa Mesa Fire Department, who cheered on the four members of the Costa Mesa squad. “Look at these guys. Some of them can barely stand up when they are done.”

Of the local competitors, the Orange County Fire Authority team placed 11th out of 40 teams and Jud Ream of Huntington Beach was 14th out of 190 individuals.

The firemen’s challenge drew a large crowd to the grandstand arena of the fairgrounds, which hosted the challenge for the first time.

“I think this is as good as watching any other competitive sport,” said Dorothy Denlinger, 76, of San Diego.

She added that another reason she sat through the many hours of competition was to show her appreciation for the work the firefighters do.

“I think it is great because we get to see what they do and this should help them to build morale in their departments,” she said. “Most people don’t show their support for the firemen until a fire happens to them.”