Firefighters set Auckland Sky Tower record
29 May 2009
Auckland’s Sky Tower, the southern hemisphere’s tallest building, now has another claim to fame - it’s just set a new record for the most fire-fighters wearing full apparatus, in a New Zealand building at one time, not fighting a fire.
Last weekend 422 fire-fighters from New Zealand, Australia and the United States donned full kit, including breathing apparatus, and raced up the 1,103 steps of the 328m Sky Tower - all in aid of charity.
The fire-fighters from 80 brigades, who were taking part in the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge, raised NZ$140,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation.
Northland champions
For the fourth consecutive year, the event was won by Paihia’s Volunteer Fire Brigade from Northland, New Zealand.
The Paihia group, who raised $15,670, were closely followed by Auckland Airport Rescue Fire who raised $11,980. Waipawa Fire Brigade, from the lower North Island, came in third with $8,793.
Of the 422 people who competed, 365 were New Zealand fire-fighters.
The 80 brigades raced up 51 flights of stairs not only wearing their cumbersome full fire-fighting kit but also breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.
Fire-fighter Hughie Blues said the event brought Pahia’s small community together.
"It’s good to see all the other brigades participate. There are a lot of people who know others affected by blood disorders; it’s what keeps us going," said Blues.
First to the top
The fastest fireman to the top of the tower was Doug Kinsella, of South Auckland, who completed the race in an impressive 9 minutes 40 seconds. The fastest female was, for the second year in a row, Maree Ryan from Hutt City near Wellington, who finished in 14 minutes 11 seconds.
Fire-fighters gained sponsorship for their efforts from their communities, friends and families. The event was sponsored by SkyCity and Auckland Airport, with all the funds raised going to the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation. The $140,000 raised smashed last year’s total of $94,000.
"We are very humbled by the fire-fighters, our community heroes, with daily acts of bravery and kindness, and on top of all, that they commit to this event year after year to fundraise and support us," Pru Etcheverry, executive director of the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation, said.
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