For the seventh year running, a team of Snoqualmie firefighters will participate in the Firefighter Stairclimb, a climb to the top of the 69-floor Columbia Center in downtown Seattle — 1,311 steps with a vertical elevation of 788 feet.

The team of eight will compete in this race to the top in full firefighting gear and self contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, testing their strength and endurance as a team, with the goal of raising awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The 18th annual climb is set for Sunday, March 8 at the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. It is the largest firefighter competition in the world, each team competing based on dollars raised to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and clocked speed to the top of the tower.

This year’s eight-member Snoqualmie team includes team captain and firefighter Brian Busby, Lt. Kelly Gall, firefighter Robert Lasswell, and volunteer firefighters Jesse Curlee, RJ Hall, Al Harper, Julie Harper, and Mike Wallace.

Since 2003, Snoqualmie teams have raised nearly $18,000 for this event through local donations from individuals and businesses.

To raise funds for this year’s competition, Snoqualmie firefighters will greet the public in front of Starbucks on Snoqualmie Ridge to accept pledges and donations on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To learn more, contact Brian Busby at (425) 681-7380. For more information about the Firefighter Stairclimb, visit www.firefighterstairclimb.org.