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Lewiston Firefighters Climb Seattle Skyscraper for Charity
The team raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by scaling the 69-floor Columbia Center.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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A team of firefighters from Lewiston, Idaho spent Saturday climbing the 69 floors and 1,356 steps of Seattle's Columbia Center skyscraper to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The firefighters completed the climb in full gear, including masks with oxygen, similar to the equipment they would wear while fighting a house fire.
Why it matters
Firefighter stair climbs are an annual tradition that raise money for important causes, while also testing the physical endurance and training of the participants. This event helps bring attention to blood cancers and the ongoing need for research and support.
The details
Out of more than 250 teams, the Lewiston firefighters came in at #142. They are still working to reach their fundraising goal of $10,000, with about $3,000 left to go. Meanwhile, Pullman Fire's Steven Potratz Lee came in 2nd place overall out of 1,915 individual climbers, finishing the 69 floors in just 11 minutes and 54.44 seconds.
- The Lewiston firefighters climbed the 69-floor Columbia Center on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Lewiston Fire Department
A fire department located in Lewiston, Idaho that participated in the annual firefighter stair climb event in Seattle.
Steven Potratz Lee
A firefighter from the Pullman Fire Department who placed 2nd overall in the individual stair climb competition, finishing the 69 floors in 11 minutes and 54.44 seconds.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
A nonprofit organization that funds blood cancer research and provides support services to patients and their families.
What’s next
The Lewiston Fire Department will continue fundraising to reach their $10,000 goal for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The takeaway
Firefighter stair climb events are an inspiring way for first responders to push their physical limits while also raising critical funds and awareness for important causes like blood cancer research and patient support.
