Leavenworth Firefighter Challenge tests endurance, raises money for wildland community

LEAVENWORTH — Nearly 100 firefighters from Washington, Oregon and Idaho gathered at Leavenworth Ski Hill on April 25 to demonstrate their physical and mental endurance, represent their crews and departments, connect with regional firefighters, and raise money for a cause.

“I think that it's just cool seeing a bunch of different crews and wildland firefighters from all over the area come in, come together and do a race for a good cause,” said CCFD 3 volunteer firefighter and event organizer Jake Martinez.

In their personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional gear, competitors climbed a grueling 1,665 vertical feet over 6.2 miles of rugged terrain. Starting at the base of Ski Hill, they climbed to the top of Freund Canyon, descended back to the recreation area, then finished the challenge with an uphill sprint to the finish line.

Competitors had the opportunity to race in the Probie Division, which requires wearing full PPE: a Nomex shirt and pants, helmet, and gloves. Those looking for more of a challenge opted for the Arduous Division, adding wildland boots and 25 pounds of weight. In the Sawyer Division, competitors raised the stakes even further by carrying a 10 pound chainsaw on their shoulders.

“Each year it's been getting bigger. It looks like there was close to a dozen saws this year at least, which is pretty good,” said Chelan County Fire District #3 (CCFD 3) Captain Marcus Wells.

The annual event is organized by CCFD 3, which relies on both staff and volunteers for structure and wildland fires, EMS, and technical outdoor rescues in Leavenworth and the Upper Wenatchee Valley. Because the fire district cannot use taxpayer dollars to purchase equipment for volunteers, fundraisers like the Firefighter Challenge help cover those costs, Wells said.

The event also has a broader impact through its partnership with the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. For over 25 years, the organization has assisted the families who have lost firefighters in the line of duty and supported those with physical and emotional injuries on the long road to recovery.

“To me, the Wildland Firefighter Foundation is really important. We average three to five structure fires a year, but we'll go on 20 wildland fires, so the majority is still towards the wildland side,” said Wells.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media