SW firies burn competition

They train to haul in big hoses while fighting fires, but after a successful Easter long weekend the Bunbury Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service brigade had to haul home an abundance of awards.

The biggest award of all was winning overall first place in their grade at the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service State Championships in Fremantle - the first time the brigade had won in 36 years.

A crew of 14 from the brigade competed in the championships.

Firefighter Cory van Dijk said it was "pretty awesome" to go one better than last year when the brigade finished runners-up.

"Our coach Nathan is over the moon - it's his first win in the 20-plus years he's been doing it," Mr van Dijk said.

The youngest team member to compete was 16-year-old Jarred Kowal and the oldest was his father and brigade captain John Kowal.

Mr van Dijk said the brigade not only benefited from the extra fitness the championships provided, but also the comradery.

"Some of the events you have to work with six to eight people in your team and you've got to work together to do well," he said.

"There's also the tradition of the champs, which is pretty important."

The success wrapped up the brigade's competition season, with juniors set to start up again in August and seniors in October or November.