This year’s festival was hosted by West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) on behalf of the UK Rescue Organisation. The free spectacular took place at Birmingham’s city centre Smithfield site,
Nearly 40 UK fire and rescue services, and some from abroad, did battle assessed by expert judges across a range of challenges:
- rope rescue (from height)
- water rescue
- trauma care
- urban search and rescue (collapsed structures)
- releasing casualties from crashed vehicles.
This year’s event also involved, for the first time, the UK Firefighter Fitness Challenge and a special competition for Fire Cadets. 
Area Commander Samantha Burton, who coordinated the festival for West Midlands Fire Service, said: “We’re super-excited to be welcoming firefighters from across the country and to give our communities a chance to be wowed by their skills! 
“A firefighter does so much more than the skilled work of responding to and tackling fires. The UKRO Festival of Rescue throws the spotlight on their rescue skills, enabling them to watch and learn from each other during some friendly competition. 
“With just nine days to go, we’re excited to be announcing some more details of the packed programme. We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of members of the public to the Smithfield site in Birmingham.” 
The two-day Birmingham event was hosted on behalf of the UK Rescue Organisation by West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS). 
Phil Loach, WMFS Chief Fire Officer, said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to host the festival and to showcase the best of Birmingham and the West Midlands. Many congratulations to all of the winners. 
“While the festival is a competition, it’s also a rare and valuable opportunity for colleagues to learn from each other in such an environment and to be able to watch and ask questions and make valuable connections. It enhances the services we all provide to our communities.”
