Firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have achieved national recognition after being crowned Best Breathing Apparatus (BA) Team and the prestigious title of Overall Best Team at the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge (NBAC).
The event took place over the weekend of 12 October 2025 at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
The winning team - Dominic Norcross (Officer in Charge), Lee Rees (Driver / Fireground Setup), Luke Fisher and Tim Frost (BA Team), and Morgan Lewis (BA Entry Control Officer) - competed against 19 fire and rescue services from across the UK. Their performance showcased exceptional operational skill, teamwork, and a strong commitment to firefighter safety.
Sponsored by Draeger UK and supported by the Fire Fighters Charity, the NBAC is a nationally recognised event promoting best practice in BA procedures and incident command. Each five-person team was faced with a realistic, high-pressure scenario involving a property fire, with just 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze and rescue any casualties.
Teams were assessed by National Assessors from across the UK Fire and Rescue Service, with judging criteria covering:
- Incident Command
- Fire Ground Procedures
- Entry Control
- BA Wearing and Procedures
The Mid and West Wales team excelled across all areas, particularly in Command and Control, technical knowledge, and practical firefighting skills.
Group Manager Stuart Bate, Head of Training Delivery, commented:
“This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and rigorous training of our firefighters. To be recognised as the best among such strong competition is a testament to the high standards we uphold in Mid and West Wales. We’re incredibly proud of the team’s success.”
The NBAC continues to serve as a vital platform for sharing best practice, enhancing firefighter safety, and fostering collaboration across UK fire services.
For more information about the NBAC, visit: www.nbac.co.uk