Midvaal firefighters reach new heights

MEYERTON – Firefighters from the Midvaal Local Municipality are taking fitness to new heights—literally.
Known across South Africa for their formidable strength and discipline, this elite team has taken their training beyond the firehouse, recently running the full stairwells of some of Johannesburg's tallest skyscrapers, fully suited in firefighting gear.
This high-intensity stair training has seen the team tackle icons like Ponte Tower, standing at 173m with 54 floors, and The Leonardo in Sandton, currently the tallest building in South Africa at 234m and 55 floors.
These feats, while not part of a formal competition, reflect the team's self-driven pursuit of excellence and endurance.
Photos of their recent training sessions—shared on social media—show the firefighters clad in full protective gear, including heavy jackets,
helmets, and breathing apparatuses, ascending floor after floor. Their efforts are part of a broader initiative to test their limits and enhance operational readiness.
'Running stairs in full kit simulates the physical demands of fire emergencies,' a firefighter explained. 'It boosts our strength, stamina, and mental resilience.'
The benefits go beyond physical conditioning. These intense sessions also help boost team morale, camaraderie, and confidence, essential qualities in high-pressure rescue situations.
Next on their list is the legendary Carlton Centre in downtown Johannesburg.
Towering at 223m with 50 floors, it was once Africa's tallest building and remains an iconic challenge for anyone brave enough to tackle it from the ground up.
Whether training in Meyerton or scaling urban giants, the Midvaal fire team continues to set the bar for what it means to be fire-fit in South Africa—one step at a time.
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