First national fire hydrant toss event held in Aargau

Adrian Schuler, a member of the Wohlen fire department, threw a 22-kilogram hydrant 7.03 metres on Saturday afternoon to win the first championship of its kind in the country.

The competition was devised as a way to celebrate the department’s 50th anniversary.

The event was inspired by the traditional stone toss event at Alpine farmers festivals.

“We came up with the idea of throwing hydrants instead of stones,” fires department commander Marcel Christian told Blick.ch.

Swiss hydrant manufacturer Von Roll was enthusiastic about the idea and agreed to sponsor the event while providing hydrants for the competition.

The event drew 50 competitors to the town of almost 15.000 people, including women.

It was part of an open house for the fire department.