Firefighters from around the world will compete Aug. 21-23 in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, a grueling but fun competition that simulates the demanding skills necessary to fight fires and save lives.

Competitors will race up a five-story tower, hoist heavy equipment, chop, drag hoses and rescue a lifesized 175-pound “victim” as they race against themselves, their opponents and the clock.

The games have been televised nationally on ESPN and CBS Sports. Firefighters from throughout the United States and select countries overseas are invited to register for the games, which are open to the public for viewing.

The Firefighter Combat Challenge was originally scheduled to take place in Los Angeles as a part of the larger World Firefighters Games, which were canceled last month due to problems with planning and logistics. The Firefighter Combat Challenge approached the Ontario Fire Department for help, and with the assistance of the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau and Ontario Mills, was able to relocate the contest to Ontario, just 30 miles east of its originally proposed location and on the same dates as originally planned.

“We are grateful to all our partners in the city of Ontario for scrambling to help make this work,” said Michael DeGrandpre of the Firefighter Combat Challenge. “We had several firefighters booked on flights from other countries to attend these games. The move to Ontario means they can still compete and they don’t have to change their travel plans.”

What:

Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge

When:

Aug. 21-23

Where:

Ontario Mills, 1 Mills Circle, Ontario

Why:

250 firefighters from all over the world will compete in tests of strength and strategy

Info:

www.firefighterchallenge.com