Downtown Erie in Perry Square
601 State Street (General Area)
Erie, PA 16501
Our event site is on the barricaded portion of State Street that sits between the two parks.
2026 Firefighter Challenge US National Championship
Join us in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania
September 23-26, 2026
The heat, the heart, the hustle... it’s coming back.
Snap-tite Hose is proud to present the 2026 U.S. National Firefighter Challenge Championship, where elite firefighters from across the country converge in Erie, Pennsylvania to test their grit on the world’s most demanding firefighting competition stage.
A Celebration of Fire Service Excellence
This isn’t just competition — it’s a tribute to courage, fitness, teamwork, and the unshakeable resolve that defines the firefighting profession. Snap-tite Hose stands with firefighters every day on the fireground, and we’re thrilled to bring the national championship to our community.
Admission is free. Spectators can join in downtown Erie for four days of awe-inspiring athleticism, strategy, and fire service camaraderie.
Volunteers are welcome. It takes a large number of people to prepare and maintain the course throughout the event. Volunteer registration is open now! For group volunteer opportunities, please email our Marketing Team.
Event Date:
September 23-26, 2026
Event Site Address:
Daily Schedule
Tuesday:
2:00PM to 7:00PM: Open Practice
6:00PM to 9:00PM: Welcome Reception, Centennial Hall, 145 West 11th Street, Erie PA 16501
Wednesday:
7:00AM: Open Practice
8:00AM to Until: Individual Category Qualifying Rounds
Thursday:
7:00AM: Open Practice
8:00AM to 12:00PM: Individual Category Qualifying Rounds continued
1:00PM: Tandem Team Category Title Championship
Friday:
7:00AM: Practice
8:00AM: Relay Category Championship Event Pennsylvania Fire Service Showdown integrated
6:30PM: Awards Ceremony Dinner for Tandem and Relay Categories, Points Champions, and Rookies of the Year (preregistration required)
9:00PM: After Party, Location TBD
Saturday:
8:30AM: Opening Ceremony
9:00AM – 1:00PM: Individual Category Championship Title Finale
Awards Ceremony course side
Athlete Information, Rules and Regulations, and Registration Rates
There are FOUR audiences eligible to compete in Erie this September:
Regional Qualified Athletes: This event is by ‘invitation only’. Athletes eligible to compete will have received an email advising them of their eligibility. Our system will only allow these athletes to register.
Firefighters from the West and Southwest Regions: In lieu of the regional events previously cancelled by the US Police & Fire Games, firefighters from the West and Southwest Regions who were unable to compete regionally are welcome to come to Erie to earn their regional titles and records for the season, and vie for U.S. National titles.
Pennsylvania Firefighters: Any firefighter from Pennsylvania who has not qualified at a regional event is eligible to compete for Pennsylvania specific awards only to determine the BEST in the state.
International Competitors: Firefighters from Canada are welcome to cross Lake Erie and take on the course for the opportunity to compete for awards in their own special categories prior to the World Championship event.
For full rules and registration information, please visit:
Local Event Sponsors
Primary National Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
