Monto does it again

MONTO Fire Brigade had already proved it was the best in Queensland four times and at the weekend the team put another notch in its belt.

Monto firies were named the state firefighter champions when they competed in the event at Hervey Bay at the weekend.

This is the fifth year the group has taken out the state championship.

Monto firefighter Marty Harm said the team members couldn't believe they had taken out the championships again.

"I'm still pinching myself," he said.

"I was extremely nervous going in. Being the top team everyone is looking to knock you off."

The five in a row win is a feat rarely seen at the championships.

"I think Biloela had six in a row back in the '80s and then we had three in a row in the '90s."

Marty said the championships involved a series of tasks that needed to be completed as quickly as possible with as few mistakes as possible.

"There are 10 events that teams of four have to compete in," he explained.

"We perform drills with pumps and hoses and there are ones where we have to climb a ladder with a hose and shoot targets. At the competition we are given a rule book with a task each member has to do."

Marty said a lot of work was involved in getting to the state championships.

The 16-strong station holds its own local competition to select the best four members to represent Monto at the regional championships.

"We train about three times a week for the month before the competition. We run through some drills and do a lot of running," Marty said.

Greg Barnett was awarded the 2012 Queensland Champion Firefighter title.

"It is a title that doesn't sit comfortable for me," he laughed. "It is a great recognition for the work we do."

Greg performed extremely well at the competition finishing the day with zero penalties.

"I don't think you're game to make a mistake with Marty as your team captain," he laughed.

The team will compete in the Australasian Firefighter Championship at Launceston, Tasmania in October next year.