Mayday search
Navigate a blacked-out structure, locate and assess the downed firefighter, then transmit a clear status report before beginning packaging and removal.
Inaugural year · Pinellas Park, Florida
Pinellas County
FirefighterInvitational
Three days of Rapid Intervention Team competition, survival training, and high-intensity skill challenges.
Firefighter teams from across the region will put their training to the test in realistic MAYDAY scenarios designed to simulate rescuing a firefighter in distress. Built, judged, and run by firefighters, the Invitational strengthens the skills that save lives on the fireground while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice through our commitment to train, improve, and never forget.
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3 Days
Nov 2 to Nov 4
20 Teams
RIT competition bracket
Free
Spectator admission
50/50 Forcible Entry Competition
Test your skills
What PCFI is
A competition built
for the real thing
PCFI is a three-day firefighter competition centered on Rapid Intervention Team operations. Teams respond to live scenarios that simulate real fireground MAYDAYs, putting their training, teamwork, and decision-making to the test before experienced judges and spectators.
This is not a novelty event. Every evolution reflects the challenges firefighters may face when one of their own is in distress, including locating, packaging, and removing a downed firefighter under demanding conditions. PCFI gives teams the opportunity to sharpen the skills that save firefighters while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice through our commitment to train, improve, and never forget.
Spectators, departments, and families are welcome throughout all three days.
Who runs it
- Pinellas County Firefighter Survival & Rescue Training, host
- Florida RIT Operations Group (FROG), competition partner
- Base Wealth Management, presenting sponsor
The card
Realistic mayday scenarios.
One standard.
Four-member entry teams, supported by a RIT/RIC commander, respond to timed fireground MAYDAY scenarios in full PPE and on air. Teams are evaluated on safe execution, communication, air management, accountability, and the successful rescue of a downed firefighter.
Scenarios simulate real MAYDAYs and may not include each component.
Package and drag
Convert the harness, transition air if needed, and move a 185 pound rescue dummy the full length of the drag lane under time.
Forcible entry
Teams may be required to force an inward- or outward-swinging door under load, gain access through a window, breach a wall, or navigate confined spaces using a reduced profile.
Air management
Establish an emergency air supply for a downed firefighter while maneuvering the SCBA through restricted spaces. Performance is evaluated on bottle control, connection technique, and the time required to deliver a secure, working air supply.
Entanglement maze
Navigate entanglement hazards, diminishing clearances, and changing elevations in zero visibility while maintaining SCBA control and crew safety. Speed matters, but composure, communication, and safe execution determine success.
No firefighter left behind. That is why we train.
Pinellas County Firefighter Survival & Rescue Training
Three days of competition
Schedule
Gates open at 7:30 AM each morning. Times are estimated and subject to change. Team assignments, designated entrances, and sequestering instructions will be provided before the event.
Sunday
Nov 1
Nov 1
Pre-event
- Captain's Dinner and Meet & Greet
- Team selection
By invitation only
Monday
Nov 2
Nov 2
Day 1 · Opening ceremony + preliminaries (Groups 1 & 2)
- Opening ceremony
- Group 1 sequestering
- Group 1 preliminary round
- Lunch break
- Group 2 sequestering and course reset
- Group 2 preliminary round
- Groups 1 & 2 results
Tuesday
Nov 3
Nov 3
Day 2 · Preliminaries (Groups 3 & 4)
- Group 3 arrival and sequestering
- Group 3 preliminary round
- Lunch break
- Group 4 sequestering and course reset
- Group 4 preliminary round
- Groups 3 & 4 results, finals announced
Wednesday
Nov 4
Nov 4
Day 3 · Championship finals
- Finalist arrival and sequestering
- Championship finals begin
- Awards ceremony
Entry
Get your crew
on the card
Spectator admission is FREE for all three days. RIT competitors pay a team registration fee that covers props, air, judging, and awards.
Spectator
FreeAll three days
- Full access to the competition
- Family friendly, food and drink on site
- Open skill stations, first come first served
RIT team · five members
$500Per team
- Captain's Dinner and Meet & Greet
- Preliminary round, fastest team in each group advances to the finals
- Team gift bag
Vendor and sponsor
$500Booth space, three days
- 10 by 10 space in the vendor lane
- Logo placement on event signage
- PA recognition during the event
Logo placement and recognition are subject to sponsorship level.
Request the packetPresented by
Presenting sponsor
Base Wealth Management works with firefighters and first responders across Florida on pension decisions, DROP planning, and the money questions that come with a career on the line. They are the presenting sponsor of the inaugural PCFI.
Resources for Florida firefightersSupporting partners
Where it happens
OCC Road House & Museum
Clearwater
A full service restaurant and entertainment venue with the yard to run live evolutions outside and put a crowd around them. Parking is on site and free.
Address10575 49th Street North, Clearwater, Florida 33762
DatesMonday Nov 2, 8:00 AM through Wednesday Nov 4, 2:00 PM
Getting thereTwo minutes off US 19, ten minutes from St. Pete Clearwater International
OCC Road House & Museum
Where to stay
Rooms held for visiting teams and sponsors
Two hotels near the venue are holding discounted blocks for crews and sponsors travelling in. Book through the links below so the group rate applies. Rooms are limited, and each block is released after its booking deadline.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater/St. Petersburg
Book the group rateAddress4050 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, Florida 33762Last day to bookOctober 13, 2026St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater
Book the group rateAddress12600 Roosevelt Boulevard North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716Last day to bookOctober 10, 2026
Rates, taxes, and availability are set by each hotel. Reservations are made with the hotel, not with PCFSRT.
Before you go
Questions
Who can compete?
Active career and volunteer firefighters in teams of five. Only one team per department.
What gear do we bring?
NFPA-approved full structural PPE and SCBA. Air fills are provided on site. Bring a spare set of gloves and a spare hood. For safety reasons, all equipment must function as if you were going into a structure fire.
Is there a cost to watch?
No. Spectator admission is free for all three days and families are welcome. Only RIT competitors and vendors pay a registration fee.
What happens if it rains?
The event is held under a partially enclosed large pavilion with seven Big Ass ceiling fans to keep you out of the elements. In the event of severe weather, PCFSRT, OCC, and FROG will evaluate conditions to ensure the safety of all spectators, participants, and vendors.
Support the mission
Help firefighters train.
Help keep communities safe.
PCFI is run by Pinellas County Firefighter Survival & Rescue Training, Inc., a firefighter-led registered 501(c)(3) public charity. Every contribution goes back into realistic survival and rescue training for the crews who need it.
Nonprofit verification
Legal name
Pinellas County Firefighter Survival & Rescue Training, Inc.
Federal EIN
39-4404124
Bring your crew
to Pinellas County
Twenty spots in the bracket. Registration is currently closed.