Public tries out what it takes to be a firefighter in fitness challenge

Civilians try out the FireFit challenge in Leduc on June 5, 2026. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

Civilians wanting to test their physical capabilities got to see how they lined up with a firefighter’s fitness on Friday evening.

The FireFit Championship’s Civilian Night Challenge offered teams of three to five the opportunity to put their speed and strength to the test in a series of challenges that mimic the demands of a firefighter’s job - stair-climbing, lifting heavy and doing it all while geared up, for example.

Participants said they weren’t expecting such a rigorous course.

“It’s tough, especially with what real firefighters go through and practice for and deal with on a daily basis,” said Kye, who did Saturday’s challenge with a group of friends.

Leduc Fire Services paramedic Emily Montgomery said the course is designed to test even the fittest firefighter.

“It is so demanding to put a bottle (breathing apparatus) on, go on air, go into a structure fire, break open a doorway, search a house, find someone, pull them out and then go back in again,” she said. “That’s our job.”

The Northern Alberta Regional Qualifiers will be held at the Leduc Recreation Centre this weekend. There, nearly 100 firefighters from across Canada will compete against each other. The event is open to the public and free to watch.

“It builds camaraderie, it builds friendships, and it allows us to show a lot of pride for what we do as firefighters within our communities,” Montgomery said.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall