Did you know firefighting used to be an Olympic event? The 1900 Olympic Games in Paris were organized as part of the 1900 World’s Fair and included firefighting. These were only the second modern Olympic Games and much more informal than the games are today with a mix of traditional and novelty events. If you’ve been to the LEGOLAND Florida park you know one of the most fun group activities is the Rescue Academy firefighting attraction, sometimes also referred to as Fire Brigade or Fire Academy at other parks. In this attraction you use pumping action to propel your firefighting vehicle, spray water on a target and then race back to the finish line. It can be quite a workout and get competitive, but it also mimics several aspects of the 125 year old Olympic event.

The Olympic version of firefighting challenged individuals and groups to demonstrate real firefighting skills on simulated fires and and conduct other lifesaving care. This included the use of equipment and if you read the descriptions of the Olympic event and the LEGOLAND Fire Academy below they are strikingly similar:

Fire brigades were required to respond to a simulated emergency, demonstrating their ability to quickly and efficiently deploy equipment and personnel. This involved racing to the scene, setting up ladders, hoses, and other equipment, and beginning to “extinguish” a staged fire.

Fire Rescue 1 Olympic Event Description

Fitness, speed and teamwork will all be tested as you are challenged with powering a LEGO fire engine and putting out a ‘burning’ building. Get to the blaze and put it out with your water cannon as fast as you can!

LEGOLAND Fire Academy Description

It’s doubtful that firefighting ever returns to the Olympics, but we are getting flag football in 2028 and had breaking in 2024, so I guess anything is possible. The next time you’re at a LEGOLAND park and experience this iconic attraction you can remember the 1900 Olympics and the firefighting event.