Firefighters climb Sky Tower to mark lives lost

7:06 pm on 11 September 2015

More than 150 firefighters have climbed Auckland's Sky Tower in memory of all firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, on the anniversary of 9/11.

The event was started in 2009 after the coolstore fire in Tamihere, Hamilton.

The event was started in 2009 after the coolstore fire in Tamihere, Hamilton. Photo: Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge

Event organiser Tony Scott said 11 September was the most significant day worldwide for those working in the fire service.

There were 343 New York firefighters who died in the 9/11 attack.

Mr Scott said, in New Zealand, 57 firefighters had died in the line of duty - the first recorded in 1872.

He said he started the event after the 2009 coolstore fire in Tamihere, Hamilton, where one firefighter died and six were seriously injured.

Two prominent members of the New York fire service attended today's event to share their experiences with local emergency response teams.

Mr Scott said it was an honour to have New York firefighters present to share the experience.