Newton Firefighters Climb for Clean Air

Local fire department participates in annual Fight For Air Climb in Des Moines

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:47pm

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A minimalist, glowing neon outline of a firefighter's silhouette climbing stairs, capturing the physical challenge and energy of the event in a stylized, abstract way.Newton firefighters push themselves to new heights in the annual Fight For Air Climb, supporting lung health research and clean air initiatives.Newton Today

The Newton Fire Department is again participating in the annual Fight For Air Climb, which supports the American Lung Association. Newton Firefighters will be climbing stairs in three Des Moines buildings between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Sunday, traversing a total of 79 floors and 1,656 steps while wearing full gear.

Why it matters

The Fight For Air Climb raises funds for the American Lung Association's initiatives related to lung health, including anti-smoking programs, cancer research, and asthma support. As firefighters, the Newton crew often deals with hazardous environments, making lung health a personal cause.

The details

Five Newton Firefighters, including four-year participant Kyle Esery, will be climbing the stairs of the EMC Insurance Building, Hub Tower, and the Ruan Building in Des Moines. The event aims to promote clean air and lung health through physical challenges and fundraising.

  • The Fight For Air Climb will take place on Sunday, March 28, 2026.
  • The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The players

Newton Fire Department

The local fire department in Newton, Mississippi that is participating in the annual Fight For Air Climb.

Kyle Esery

A firefighter and EMT with the Newton Fire Department who has participated in the event for four years.

American Lung Association

The non-profit organization that hosts the annual Fight For Air Climb to raise funds for lung health initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of this money goes to anti-smoking programs, cancer research, and other initiatives like asthma and stuff like that. As a firefighter, we deal with a lot of hazardous environments. So it's something kind of close to us.”

— Kyle Esery, Firefighter and EMT

The takeaway

The Newton Fire Department's participation in the Fight For Air Climb demonstrates how first responders are personally invested in promoting lung health and clean air, as they often encounter hazardous environments on the job. The event raises critical funds for the American Lung Association's important work.