Firefighters in full tilt

North County Fire & EMS firefighters pull on their oxygen masks before charging up 1,311 steps of the Columbia Tower in Seattle last year. A firefighter’s “combat gear” – boots, fireproof pants and jacket, bottled oxygen pack and facemask – weighs about 50 pounds, said Matt Fleishbein, with North County Regional Fire Authority.

On March 7, Fleishbein and 24 North County team members will pull on their gear for a cause: the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The stair climb is exactly what it sounds like: 1,500 firefighters from around the country (and one group from New Zealand) meet at the Columbia Tower in Seattle. Beginning at 9 a.m., firefighters race in battalions. The goal: Charge 1,311 steps up 69 flights of stairs to the observation deck, 788 feet off the ground.

And yes, they are required to actually breathe with the oxygen tank.

Matt Fleishbein Last year 1,500 firefighters, the maximum allowed, represented 244 departments and raised a record $640,000 in pledges and donations. This year, registration is maxed out, too.

Uniting that many firefighters in one place, for one cause, creates a unique energy, Fleishbein said.

“The sense of brotherhood is awesome,” he added, comparing the all-day event to a subculture. “It’s something a lot of people never get to experience.”

The competition is fierce, too, even if it is good-natured.

Last year, the record time was 10:55.57 – yeah, less than 11 minutes – posted by Kory Burgess, from Missoula Rural Fire.

There are side bets galore, Fleishbein said, even among the climbers who know they won’t post elite times.

“You gotta buy steak dinner if you lose,” he said.

It’s not simply a game for boys either; there are plenty of women in the ranks, as well. North County’s Brittney Miller is competing, and Fleishbein said “she’s an animal.”

In fact, last year’s fastest woman, Georgia Daniels, from Graham Fire and Rescue, finished in 14 minutes and 36 seconds. She crushed the average men’s time of 20-30 minutes.

A wide range of ages compete, too.

North County’s youngest is 19.

“Brandon Booth’s our old-timer (age 39) – he’s been rockin’ it,” Fleishbein said.

There’s only one way to “rock it” – train, hard.

“It’s a big cardio thing,” Fleishbein said, so competitors need to be in shape.

Many firefighters do cross fit, a total-body strength and conditioning program. The station also has a stair machine people use to practice.

Fleishbein said the machine won’t go nearly as fast as the actual race pace, but you can set the machine for 69 flights and “at least get a good workout.”

One last tip: “Don’t eat a big breakfast,” Fleishbein said. “Stick with oatmeal or Wheaties – a cheeseburger is a bad idea.”

This year will be Fleishbein’s third climb, and the event has new significance for him – his mom was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. He’s hoping to put this motivation to good use. North County has set a fundraising goal for themselves of $3,000.

On March 5, two days before the stair climb, they’ll be at Stanwood’s Haggen Food and Pharmacy with their stair machine, from 3-5 p.m.

“We’re going to have firefighters on the stair machine the entire time,” Fleishbein said, “and we’re going to collect donations and spread the word.”

“It’s motivating to see so many people get involved,” he added.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews.com.