Heat battle in Sillian: Niederthai 3 triumphs at the Fire Cup 2025!

Heat battle in Sillian: Niederthai 3 triumphs at the Fire Cup 2025!

At the weekend, the 61st state fire brigade competition took place in Sillian, a highlight in the calendar of the domestic fire brigade community. Around 3,000 firefighters from 260 fire brigades, including teams from East Tyrol, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Carinthia, South Tyrol and Bavaria, took part in this spectacular event. Over 350 groups competed, with 101 of them coming from the Lienz district. The central goal of the participants was a faster and smooth extinguishing attack, which took place under particularly challenging conditions, since the temperatures were over 30 degrees in the shade.

The 16 best groups of the previous year took part in a knockout competition as part of the so-called “Fire Cup”. Defending champion Sillian 1 could not keep up in first place and had to hand it over to Niederthai 3. Niederthai 3 prevailed against Niederthai 4 in the final and received the trophy from Ilona Rainer-Pranter. Despite the defeat, Sillian 1 qualified for the international fire brigade competitions in Berlin, which was made possible by her national victory in the previous year and the clear performance this year.

performance test and organization

The organization and implementation of fire brigade competitions, such as that in Sillian, is based on defined guidelines and exams that are also used in the Fire Service (LPR BD). This exam is intended to deepen and maintain the knowledge of the firefighters. It is based on the guidelines of the fire brigade knowledge and aims to ensure orderly and safe cooperation during the extinguishing rate. The focus is less on record times than on the exact performance with your own vehicle and device.

The LPR BD includes all steps of a fire -fighting attack, starting from the water withdrawal point to the fire object. Specific tasks must be fulfilled in the individual levels, including location exploration by the group commander, as well as the use of personal protective equipment. In particular, the intensity and commitment of the firefighters were highlighted in an environment on the competition day, which was not only about competitions, but also about teamwork and learning together.

A look over the borders

The relevance of such competitions goes beyond the Austrian borders. Thomas Reuter, head of the competition in the German Fire Brigade Association since March 2023, is reminiscent of the tradition and importance of such events. Since he entered the Böblingen volunteer fire brigade in 1992, he repeatedly participated in international competitions and has gained valuable experiences in his role as evaluators at many major events.

This competitions not only put the skill of the firefighters to the test, but also promote the exchange among the European emergency services. Reuter, who is also responsible for the cash management of his weir, sees the participation in these events the opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and professionalism in the fire brigade.

The state fire brigade competition in Sillian is therefore not just a sporting event; He is also an expression of solidarity and the commitment of the firefighters who are willing to fight for the security of their communities.