On 10th October, five firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) took part in the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge 2026, held at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
The competition brought together 22 firefighter teams from across the UK to test their skills, knowledge and teamwork in a realistic property fire scenario. Teams were given 30 minutes to extinguish a fire, rescue casualties, and demonstrate excellence in breathing apparatus operations, incident command, entry control and fireground procedures.
The MAWWFRS team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing as overall runners-up and securing second place nationally.
Success also came in the individual award categories. Dominic Norcross received the Incident Command Winner award, recognising his leadership and operational decision-making throughout the challenge. Morgan Lewis was also recognised for his expertise, achieving second place in the Best Entry Control Operative category.
The competition provided an opportunity for firefighters to demonstrate their operational competence, tactical decision-making and teamwork in realistic and demanding scenarios. During the challenge, the MAWWFRS team successfully applied contemporary firefighting principles, utilising the Quadrant Model to assess fire conditions, identify the safest and most effective tactical positions, and inform operational decision-making. The crew also calculated compartment size and assessed fire loading to determine the flow rates required to achieve effective fire control and extinguishment, showcasing their ability to translate modern firefighting theory into practical application under pressure.
While the number of incidents requiring breathing apparatus intervention has reduced over time, modern firefighting environments are becoming increasingly complex due to changes in building design, construction methods, materials and fire behaviour. Events such as the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge provide valuable opportunities for firefighters to develop and maintain operational competence, learn from best practice across the UK, and reinforce the skills required to respond safely and effectively to complex incidents.
The achievements of the MAWWFRS team reflect the high levels of professionalism, technical skill and dedication demonstrated by firefighters across the Service and highlight their commitment to protecting our communities.
Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, who attended to cheer on the MAWWFRS team said:
"This achievement reflects the commitment, professionalism and extensive training of our firefighters. To be recognised among such strong competition demonstrates the exceptional standards we maintain across Mid and West Wales. We are immensely proud of the team and all they have accomplished.
"As the operational environment continues to evolve, it is increasingly important that our firefighters maintain and develop the skills needed to deal with complex incidents safely and effectively. The National Breathing Apparatus Challenge provides an excellent platform to test those skills, learn from peers across the UK and reinforce the modern firefighting tactics that help keep our communities and firefighters safe."
The annual event promotes firefighter safety and operational best practice across the UK fire and rescue sector and was sponsored by Draeger UK and supported by the Fire Fighters Charity.
We would like to congratulate everyone involved.
#NationalBAChallenge
