Vatrogasci u Burgenlandu se bore za svjetsku titulu

The World Firefighters' Championships are set to take place in Eisenstadt, Burgenland, from Wednesday to Sunday next week, bringing together around 1,500 participants from 17 nations and more than 3,000 guests. The event, which runs over five days, will be held in the athletics stadium of the capital city. Originally planned in Berlin, the championships were abandoned when the German capital withdrew from organizing duties mid-preparation. The Burgenland region stepped in to host the competition just one year later, according to Günter Prünner, spokesperson for the regional fire department association. Berlin had initially planned to host the event, but logistical challenges led to its withdrawal. The Burgenland team quickly mobilized to organize the championship, despite the short notice. This included coordinating with local authorities, emergency services, and partners to ensure smooth operations. Over 300 volunteers from all districts of the state will assist in managing the event alongside government agencies and organizations. The venue, the athletics stadium in Eisenstadt, has previously hosted international competitions, including a recent athletics meeting. The city's ability to manage large-scale events was demonstrated during this earlier gathering, reinforcing its suitability as a host. The event will feature 127 competing teams from 17 countries, requiring accommodation and catering for approximately 1,500 athletes and officials. These accommodations will be spread across several schools and boarding houses in Eisenstadt. Catering efforts are being managed by the Red Cross and the Mattersburg district fire command, providing meals for around 1,700 individuals daily. Emphasis is placed on using locally sourced, sustainable, and high-quality food. Harald Nakovich, deputy head of the regional fire service and organizer of the championship, assured that these standards would be maintained throughout the event. This marks the first time the Burgenland region hosts the World Firefighters' Championships, making it a significant milestone for the area. Of the 127 competing teams, 14 are from Austria, including two local fire departments, Zillingtal and Markt St. Martin, which will compete with male teams. The competition will include four categories: General Class, Older Florianis, Women, and Professional Fire Departments. Athletes will face tasks such as extinguishing simulated fires and completing a hurdle relay race while fully dressed. Eisenstadt’s mayor, Thomas Steiner, expressed pride in the collaborative effort behind the event, highlighting how the community, local fire departments, and educational institutions have worked together to welcome international visitors. Schools in the city not only serve as lodging facilities but also contributed by having students from the Eisenstadt Technical High School craft a special fire bowl for the competition. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, after which the grounds will be open to the public. Friday will focus on training sessions, followed by the main competitions on Saturday, featuring firefighting drills and the obstacle relay. The awards ceremony will conclude the event on Sunday.