The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE)

There is an escalating crisis in the Minnesota fire service – one that is costing firefighter their lives. The high incidence of illness – particularly cardiac, cancer, and mental health challenges – is alarming and requires an immediate response.

These illnesses are more common than many people, including firefighters, realize – with both direct and indirect impacts. Chronic illness, including cardiac, cancer, and mental health challenges, can cost fire departments thousands of dollars in lost time, recruitment, and training costs. At the same time, there is a significant gap between firefighters identifying a health need and actively reaching out to get help and take care of themselves.

The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) was launched in 2017 as an innovative and inclusive approach to unify and spark conversations among firefighters, their families their communities and state policy makers regarding firefighter health.

A copy of the MnFIRE white paper on this subject is available HERE.

For additional information, we encourage you to visit the MnFIRE website by clicking HERE, follow them on Facebook HERE, or search for #MNFIRE on social media.