Cape Town’s firefighters have proved they can handle more than just flames, bringing home a whopping 21 medals from this weekend’s Toughest Firefighter Alive competition in George.

The City sent 23 firefighters to the competition, where they competed in individual and relay events and came back with an impressive 17 gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

The competition puts firefighters through their paces, testing both their mental and physical fitness while simulating the challenges they face on the job. Competitors had to tackle the events in full firefighting gear, including heavy boots, bunker gear, tunics and helmets.

More than 300 firefighters and 51 relay teams from across South Africa took part, with teams from Botswana and Namibia also joining the action.

The firefighters had to contend with some seriously tough conditions, with temperatures climbing above 34 degrees Celsius on one day before overcast weather rolled in the next.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, says the team once again showed why they are among the country’s best.

“Our firefighters continue to do us proud and their achievements at the competition cements what we already know. They are some of the toughest, bravest and most dedicated women and men in the country.”

Among the standout performances was Nomvuyiseko Lungile from Simon’s Town Fire Station, who took gold in the women’s 35-to-39 age category and also claimed the Toughest Firefighter Alive Ladies gold.

Thobeka Senatse of Kraaifontein Fire Station also struck gold in the women’s 45-to-49 category, while Andiswa Stafa took silver. The women then teamed up with Noluthando Dyantyi for a gold medal in the women’s open relay.

On the men’s side, there was more gold, silver and bronze to celebrate.

Clint Fredericks of Kommetjie Fire Station claimed silver in the men’s 30-to-34 age category, while Faeem Sonday of Hout Bay Fire Station took bronze in the 18-to-29 category. Rudi van der Bergh of Lakeside Fire Station also secured silver in the 45-to-49 category.

Jermaine Carelse of Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station claimed gold in the 50-to-55 age category, while Willem Rickett of Mfuleni Fire Station took gold in the 55-to-59 category.

The men also picked up relay medals, with the Men’s 40+ Relay team taking gold, while the Men’s Open Relay team secured silver.