Firefighters Turn Up The Heat Second Annual Firefighter Q Off To Benefit Texas Burn Survivor Society

Back by popular demand, local firefighters will participate in the ultimate barbeque throwdown in hopes of claiming the title for best barbeque recipe. The Second Annual Firefighter Q Off is scheduled for Sunday, June 24th from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Q on the Riverwalk, located inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

In addition to tasting some of the finest barbeque rustled up by San Antonio Fire Department firefighters, guests have the opportunity to learn about fire prevention and grilling safety.

"With the summer season upon us, it's important to remind folks to exercise precautions when cooking outdoors," says Hyatt Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Lane. "This is a fun way to accomplish that."

Deborah Foster, public information officer with the San Antonio Fire Department, says many grilling accidents could be easily avoided by following simple precautions.

As part of the day's events, Sparky the Firedog will be on hand to share his "recipes" for safety. Kids can try firefighter helmets, suits and boots on for size and experience fire safety education on an antique fire truck - all while our real firefighters gear up for a unique barbeque competition as spectators look on.

To make this year's event even more meaningful, proceeds from limited edition Firefighter Q Off aprons, cookbooks and raffle ticket sales will benefit the Texas Burn Survivor Society, established in 1962 to provide care, comfort and essential services to the critically burned and their families. Admission is free and open to the public with donations to the Texas Burn Survivor Society encouraged.

Foodies in the House
Firehouses across San Antonio are invited to submit an original pork, brisket or chicken barbeque recipe by June 1st with hopes of sparking interest among Q's culinary crew, steered by Hyatt Regency Executive Chef David Wirebaugh. The Hyatt will personally deliver invitations to last year's Q Off winners, in the form of Q Spice jars. The jar labels will creatively display all pertinent event details, while the jars themselves will contain Chef Wirebaugh's personal spice concoction to fire up the senses and excite the teams about defending their 2011 titles. Spice jar invitations will be delivered simultaneously to all firehouses across the city. On June 11th, Chef Wirebaugh will announce the top three finalists via video. DVDs of the video, also viewable on YouTube, including event information will be hand-delivered to all participating stations.

"Last year's entries were quite creative," Chef Wirebaugh says. "Half the fun is seeing what the teams come up with."

Making the Cut
On event day, finalists will aim to ignite the palates of local celebrity judges in an Iron Chef-style competition open to spectators. Four-member firefighter teams, headed by a "chief chef," will have two hours to prep recipes and an additional hour of cooking time for a total completion period of three hours. The judging panel will score dishes on completion, barbeque form, flavor, presentation and uniqueness. The winning team will receive a grand prize to include:

- Complementary weekend stay at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio for each team member
- Lunch catered by Q on the Riverwalk at the team's firehouse

The winning team members of the popular vote will each receive a gift certificate to Q on the Riverwalk.

The Day's Events
2:00p .m.-4:00 p.m. Exploring Barbecue and Fire Safety
- Firefighter Q Off teams prepare for the barbeque throwdown
- Barbecue patrons taste and cast votes for the People's Choice Award
- Antique fire truck tours
- Fire safety demonstrations from Sparky and his team along w