Historical information

Photograph of 2 teams with hoses and reels in a race as part of a CFA competition.

Fire brigade competitions have been running for almost 150 years with the first State Championship held in Melbourne in 1874. State Championships have continued every year since 1873. The event goes on regardless of weather conditions or natural disasters. The only cancellations being due to WWI and WWII.

In the 1950s, the Rural State Championships were developed to reflect the unique skills of rural brigades.

The competitions started out as 'Demonstrations' with the introduction of hose reels into the fire service in the mid 1800s. This was to assist in getting hose and other necessary equipment to the scene of a fire faster.

Brigades soon find that competing with other brigades improved their training and efficiency. The State Championship became the peak of the season's competitions conducted by districts and associations across the state.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular photo reproduction printed on matte photographic paper