In September 2026 firefighters from Lancashire Fire and rescue service will travel to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA to take part in a landmark event coinciding with the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The team will be taking part in a memorial stair climb honouring the 343 first responders who lost their lives 25 years ago in New York. The challenge involves climbing 110 flights, equivalent to that of the World Trade Centre, in full fire kit.

The Lancs crew will be part of a larger group of 343 individuals traveling to the US to take on the challenge, each individual on the UK team will not only be representing their own fire service and the UK FRS as a whole, but will also be representing one of the fallen Firefighters during the challenge ensuring their memory and story continue to be remembered

This even brings emergency service personal together from across the globe to an event that is widely recognised amongst the fire and rescue sector internationally.

Our team are aiming to raise funds to cover the essential costs associated with attending the event and representing Lancashire and the UK fire and rescue service. Any and all additional funds will be fully donate to The Firefighters Charity here in the UK and The Charity Stair climb event in the USA. Awareness and funds contributing to the great work done by these two charities goes a long way in helping those who still serve both the US and UK fire and rescue services and those still effected by loss.

The lancs team will be running various fund raising events and even taking on challenges in order to reach their goal of getting to the US for the challenge while also helping amazing charities close to the hearts of everyone in the emergency services community. This climb is about remembrance, respect, and solidarity — standing alongside firefighters globally to ensure the sacrifice of the 343 is never forgotten.

We will be sharing updates during the fundraising process as well as the journey itself, we are very proud to be representing our service on this prestigious event that aims to make a difference in the lives of firefighters and firefighter families past and present.

Please get behind our team as they take on their challenge.