Event Experience
The Firefighter Stairclimb Experience
More than a stair climb. A fire service tradition.
For 36 years, firefighters have traveled to Seattle to take on one of the fire service’s most respected challenges. As the world’s largest on-air firefighter stair climb, the Firefighter Stairclimb has raised more than $32 million to advance blood cancer research, provide patient support, and advocate for better care.
The Firefighter Stairclimb isn’t just about reaching the top – it’s about honoring those impacted by blood cancer, supporting one another, and carrying on a tradition that brings the fire service together for a greater purpose.
What to Expect
From the opening ceremony to your final step at the summit, every part of the Firefighter Stairclimb is designed to challenge, inspire, and connect you to the mission.
Join firefighters from across the world
Reconnect with old friends, meet firefighters from new departments, and experience the camaraderie that has made the Firefighter Stairclimb a fire service tradition for more than three decades.
Gear up
Get your turnout gear ready, or athletic wear for the Open Division, secure your SCBA, and prepare to take on one of the toughest stair climbs in the fire service.
Join the opening ceremony
Before the climb begins, firefighters gather for a brief but meaningful ceremony that honors blood cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones while reminding us why every step matters.
Take on Columbia Center
Climb 69 floors, 1,356 steps, and 788 feet of vertical elevation as volunteers, survivors and fellow firefighters cheer you on from start to finish.
Pause to remember
As you reach the 9th floor of Columbia Center, you’ll pause at a special remembrance area honoring loved ones, patients, survivors, and those we’ve lost to blood cancer.
The 9th floor serves as a powerful reminder that every nine minutes, someone in the United States loses their life to blood cancer. It’s a chance to reflect on why you climb – and who you’re climbing for.
Reach the top
Cross the finish line, celebrate your accomplishment with fellow firefighters, and know that every step you’ve taken helps create a world without blood cancer.
United by service
United by service
Every firefighter has a reason for climbing.
Some climb in honor of a loved one. Others climb in memory of someone they’ve lost. Many climb because helping others is simply part of who they are.
No matter your reason, you’ll find a community built on service, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to support blood cancer patients and families.
Join a worldwide fire service tradition
Join a worldwide fire service tradition
Every year, firefighters travel from across the world to take on one of the fire service’s most respected challenges.
When you join the Firefighter Stairclimb, you become part of a worldwide community united by service, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to supporting Blood Cancer United’s mission.
The Blood Cancer United mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. Blood Cancer United funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. Blood Cancer United is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions. Tax Identification Number: 13-5644916 © 2015-2026 Blood Cancer United. A 501(c)(3) organization. All rights reserved.