Firefighters help children scale new heights in downtown Spokane.

Spokane firefighters and volunteers assisted about 20 children at a Courageous Kids Climbing event at Wild Walls Climbing Gym, using rope systems and hands-on support to help some reach the top. The program, run by Courageous Kids Climbing, aims to build confidence for children with physical and developmental disabilities.

Spokane firefighters and volunteers helped about 20 children at a Courageous Kids Climbing event Saturday at Wild Walls Climbing Gym in downtown Spokane. The Spokane Fire Department's technical rescue team used rope systems to raise some children and assisted others as they climbed. The program aims to build confidence in children with physical and developmental disabilities and to offer inclusive activity opportunities. Organizers noted this was the program's 189th event and that 2,180 children have participated over the past 12 years. Event details: - About 20 children took part in the downtown event at Wild Walls Climbing Gym. - Spokane Fire Department technical rescue team members used a rope pulley system to hoist children, including Lt. Andrew Hall raising 11-year-old Teagan Bartoo to the top of a climbing wall. - Courageous Kids Climbing was founded by Jeffrey Riechmann about 12 years ago and hosts events across the Western U.S.; organizers reported Saturday was the 189th event and that 2,180 children have participated. - Firefighters and volunteers also invited children to climb into a parked fire engine and described the vehicle and its equipment. - Parents and organizers reported children, including those with autism, progressed from shorter walls to taller ones and showed increased confidence. Summary: The event provided chances for children with physical and developmental disabilities to try climbing in a supported setting while also giving firefighters an opportunity for community outreach and rope-skill practice. Organizers and parents described visible confidence gains among participants. Undetermined at this time.