Two hundred and fifty firies have rushed to the Launceston show grounds, but not to put out a blaze.

Instead they were fighting for bragging rights in their annual state championships.

They came in their fire trucks from every corner of the state.

Representatives from twenty eight brigades battling it out to be named the best firefighter in the state.

The Northern Deputy Chief Gavin Freeman said "They get to compete against each other, renew acquaintances before the fire season and practice some of their skills without the aggravation of having to put out a fire, they're only racing against the clock."

And competition was hot... Kids as young as ten through to the more senior firefighters showing off skills like pump operation and hose handling...

And the spectators were kept entertained with rescue simulations and safety demonstrations.

Gavin said "We have information and recruitment for people that might be interested in joining a voluntary brigade."

While today's event is mostly about friendly rivalry, it's also an opportunity for firies from different brigades to get to know each other so when they're called out to a big fire they can work together as a team.

chief Officer Michael Brown said "If events like this help establish those kinds of relationships obviously they are going to work better under high level operations."

And with a long hot summer forecast.... Tasmanians are lucky our firies are fighting fit.