From the CTIF Competitions in Eisenstadt, Austria, July 2026

26 Jul 2026

Austria is world champion in firefighting once again!

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From the CTIF Competitions in Eisenstadt, Austria, July 2026From the CTIF Competitions in Eisenstadt, Austria, July 2026From the CTIF Competitions in Eisenstadt, Austria, July 2026

1692 participants from 17 countries competed to make the 2026 CTIF Competitions in Eistenstad, Austria into the very special event that it was!

Bad Mühllacken from Upper Austria has done it: with a time of 29.97 seconds in the hose‑laying attack and a sensational 50.87 seconds in the relay race, they have brought the world championship title back to Austria once more.

The team from Düns (Vorarlberg) achieved third place, finishing behind a Slovenian group, with 28.99 seconds in the hose‑laying attack and 53.25 seconds in the relay.

New world record set by Johannesberg (Lower Austria)

The team from Johannesberg (4th place) set a new world record in the hose‑laying attack: with a sensational time of 28.07 seconds, the Lower Austrians demonstrated extraordinary composure, speed, and precision.

More top results for Austria

Austria also excelled in the women’s category: the team from Julbach (Upper Austria) secured second place, with a Croatian team taking first.

In the “Volunteer Fire Brigades B” category (with age points), Weigelsdorf (Lower Austria) shone with third place, finishing behind teams from Italy and Slovenia.

Enthusiasm among fans and top officials

The competition was carried by more than 3,000 fans and supporters from 17 nations, who turned the Eisenstadt athletics arena into a boiling cauldron — not only because of the midsummer temperatures. The stadium was filled to the very last seat.

Franz Kropf, Fire Brigade Commander of Burgenland:

“I would like to especially thank my deputy Harald Nakovich and the entire organizing team, who have worked for months to make this week a unique experience. They clearly succeeded — people feel comfortable and enjoy their time here in Burgenland. I am very proud that we were able to bring this Firefighting World Championship to Eisenstadt and carry it out so successfully.”

Fire Brigade President Robert Mayer:

“It was exciting right up to the final run, and the atmosphere was incredible. Every group that qualified and came to Eisenstadt is actually a winner. Of course, I am very pleased that Bad Mühllacken has once again made Austria world champion — heartfelt congratulations on this outstanding achievement!”

Burgenland’s Fire Service Councillor Heinrich Dorner:

“Exciting competition days with impressive peak performances lie behind us. I congratulate all national and international teams on their successful participation and the winning teams on their top results. These competitions were not only a sporting highlight on the international stage, but also a showcase for our region, our hospitality, and our commitment. The successful staging of the 18th International Firefighting Competitions has impressively shown that Burgenland is an ideal venue for major international events at the highest level and can hold its own in international comparison. The state of Burgenland is always happy to support such initiatives with the necessary resources and is proud of the infrastructure we have built — not only for emergencies, but also for such prestigious competitions.”

The ceremonial awards ceremony, marking the conclusion of the 18th International Firefighting Competition, took place on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Eisenstadt athletics arena.

With a dignified closing ceremony, the 18th International Firefighting Competition in Eisenstadt came to an end. After marching in accompanied by the Burgenland Military Band, the winning teams received their trophies and medals. Among the first to congratulate them were Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner, CTIF President Milan Dubravac, Regional Councillor Heinrich Dorner, Third President of the Burgenland Parliament Claudia Schlager, Fire Brigade President Robert Mayer, Regional Fire Commander Franz Kropf, Mayor Thomas Steiner, and many other distinguished guests.

Austria takes four podium places

With Bad Mühllacken (Upper Austria), Austria successfully defended its 2022 world championship title, while Düns (Vorarlberg) secured third place.

The Julbach (Upper Austria) women’s team celebrated a second‑place finish in the women’s category.

In the “Volunteer Fire Brigades B” category (with age points), Weigelsdorf (Lower Austria) achieved third place.

Leadership changes at the top

This World Championship marked the final official appearance for two leading international competition officials: Klaus‑Georg Franke (Germany) and Eduard Kammerer (Austria). Both were honoured during the Mayor’s Reception on Friday evening, along with several other long‑serving contributors.

Klaus‑Georg Franke, who chaired the CTIF Commission for International Firefighting Competitions, handed over his role to Thomas Reuter (Germany).

Eduard Kammerer, who served as International Competition Director and was responsible for the last four Firefighting World Championships, passed the baton to Ludwig Laut (Austria), who will now begin preparations for the next international competitions.

Photo usage

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