By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Fire Explorer program is well respected not only in the Helena community, but also throughout the region and on Saturday, Sept. 12, the Helena Fire Explorers will host their first-ever competition.

The Helena Sports Complex will host 10 different fire departments from around the Southeast that includes two departments from Georgia, various departments from the Birmingham area and a department from Fairhope bringing a total of more than 100 competitors to Helena.

The opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m., that will include a special tribute in memory of those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as well as the raising of the colors and playing of the national anthem.

The competition will motivate explorers to demonstrate firefighter knowledge and performance of the profession, according to the event information.

Teams competing will simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a number of events while wearing bunker gear.

The events the competitors will be participating in includes a bunker gear relay, water brigade, obstacle course, search and rescue, last resort drill and a wild card event.

The event is free for anyone wishing to attend and a variety of emergency apparatus will be on display.

The Helena Fire Explorers is an organization designed for teenager’s ages 14-20 that are interested in pursing a career in fire service

The explorers have competed in competitions in the past and won various awards including a recent competition in Coweta County, Ga. where they received first place honors for the bucket brigade, Pittsburgh drill and the obstacle course competitions.

Those wanting more information about the Helena Fire Explorer’s can contact Lt. Heath Bartlett at 663-5809 ext. 7.