Jason training in Loughborough University's climactic chamber where he ran for 90 minutes in 40C heat before the test was stopped

What’s the toughest challenge a fire alarm installer is likely to face? Working in listed buildings? Hundreds of cause and effect options? Simply finding somewhere to park? How about a 150-mile run across the Sahara desert?

That’s the challenge facing one fire alarm engineer, Jason Burke of BTE Systems, as he takes on the Marathon des Sables (or Marathon of the Sands), considered by many to be the toughest foot face on Earth, in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Jason has over 22 years of experience in the fire alarm industry, and will face searing temperatures of up to 49°C (120°F). He will have to run 151 miles across the Moroccan desert over 6 days, carrying everything he needs to survive (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc.) on his back.

Jason will be pushing himself ‘to the limit in extreme heat’ in order to help raise money for injured firefighters who have to ‘experience real heat on a daily basis to help the public.’

“There is nothing us engineers like more than a good challenge. So I am undertaking the biggest challenge of my life. After this mammoth undertaking, getting a fire alarm system ready for handover by the following morning will seem like a doddle.”

The race – equivalent to the distance of 5.5 marathons – will begin on 5^th April and pre-race training is well underway, with Jason running over 100 miles a week already and this week training in Loughborough University’s climactic chamber at temperatures of 40°C.

The Fire Fighters Charity provide support and services for serving and retired fire service personnel, including rehabilitation an recuperation programmes for injured officers.

If you want to sponsor Jason on his epic challenge, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/jason-burke2012.