On Friday evening, civilians had the chance to experience the intense physical demands faced by firefighters during the FireFit Championship’s Civilian Night Challenge. Teams of three to five participants tackled a series of rigorous challenges, including stair-climbing and heavy lifting, all while wearing firefighting gear. Many participants, like Kye, expressed surprise at the course's difficulty, acknowledging the challenges real firefighters endure daily. Leduc Fire Services paramedic Emily Montgomery explained that the course is designed to push even the fittest firefighters, simulating tasks such as entering a burning structure and rescuing individuals. This weekend, the Northern Alberta Regional Qualifiers will take place at the Leduc Recreation Centre, where nearly 100 firefighters from across Canada will compete, with the event open and free for public viewing. Montgomery noted that such events build camaraderie and friendships among firefighters, while also allowing them to demonstrate pride in their profession within the community.