MN Firefighter Initiative

MN Firefighter Initiative In 2021, MnFIRE helped pass the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which provides $4 million a year to support Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters.

Since its inception, the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) has been Minnesota’s leading expert on firefighter wellness, and is dedicated to providing the state’s firefighters with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health. The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) is the leading statewide organization for firefighter well-being, equipping firefighters and the people wh

o care about them with resources to prioritize and protect their health. MnFIRE is especially focused on the high incidence of occupational-related illnesses most commonly experienced by those in the fire service: cardiovascular disease, emotional trauma and cancer. This includes the MnFIRE Assistance Program with expanded emotional trauma resources, an up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness policy, and ongoing health and wellness training – available at no cost to all of Minnesota’s firefighters. All active firefighters are automatically enrolled in the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program benefits. Along with prevention efforts through health and wellness education for firefighters, MnFIRE provides curriculum to medical and mental health professionals so they can treat their firefighter clients more effectively. If you’re a Minnesota firefighter in crisis, need help or need to file a critical illness claim, please call our confidential 24-hour hotline: 888-784-6634. For more information, visit www.mnfireinitiative.com. MnFIRE has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest designation awarded by the online nonprofit database Candid. This designation demonstrates MnFIRE's commitment to maximizing every dollar to create measurable and lasting impact.

08/30/2026

Our health and wellness trainings focus on the biggest risks that could affect you as a firefighter. Schedule a no-cost session for your department: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Staying hydrated can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially hard for firefighters. The physical demands of th...
08/24/2026

Staying hydrated can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially hard for firefighters. The physical demands of the job, combined with high-heat environments and exposure to extreme weather conditions can make maintaining proper hydration a tall task for firefighters, who need to stay vigilant about drinking enough water and keeping up their electrolytes.

Read our latest blog, based on a presentation at the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum by Rescue RD - Megan Lautz, for tips to stay hydrated in firefighting:

Hydration matters on every call. Learn how firefighters can prevent dehydration, maintain electrolytes and improve performance and recovery.

08/21/2026

We're here for you – even after you leave the fire service – through the MnFIRE Benefits Extension Program! Minnesota firefighters who leave or retire from the fire service on or after August 1, 2026 can extend their Hometown Heroes Assistance Program benefits at a cost below market rate. Firefighters only have 45 days from the date they leave the fire service to enroll, so share with your department and fellow firefighters so they're covered:

Starting August 1, 2026, Minnesota firefighters can extend their Hometown Heroes Assistance Program benefits after they leave the fire service, at a cost below market rate.

We’re excited to announce MnFIRE has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, an online database that helps d...
08/19/2026

We’re excited to announce MnFIRE has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, an online database that helps donors and sponsors connect with reputable and responsible nonprofit organizations. The Platinum designation is the highest level of transparency, demonstrating our commitment to maximizing every dollar to create measurable and lasting impact. Read more about this honor in our latest blog:

MnFIRE earns Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, demonstrating accountability, trust and lasting impact for Minnesota firefighters.

⏰ Reminder: Calm app updatesWe are transitioning from the Calm app to the Calm Health app to provide a more comprehensiv...
08/17/2026

⏰ Reminder: Calm app updates

We are transitioning from the Calm app to the Calm Health app to provide a more comprehensive experience. Minnesota firefighter access to the Calm app will end on October 1, 2026, and you will need to register for a new Calm Health account.

Available through MnFIRE at no cost to Minnesota firefighters and their families, Calm Health offers much of the same mindfulness content as the Calm app – such as meditations, Sleep Stories, music/soundscapes and daily exercises – along with evidence-based programs written by psychologists to support your mental and physical well-being.

Visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap for details on how to access this app at no cost to you!

08/15/2026

In case you missed it – MnFIRE benefits are now available after leaving the fire service! Minnesota firefighters who leave or retire from the fire service on or after August 1, 2026 are eligible to extend their Hometown Heroes Assistance Program benefits directly through the MnFIRE Benefits Extension Program.

If your last day on the job as a firefighter is approaching, you only have a 45-day window from your last date of service to extend your MnFIRE benefits! Thank you KIMT News 3 for helping us spread the word:

Effective August 1, 2026, Minnesota firefighters who leave the fire service can extend their health and wellness benefits through MnFIRE

Our Peer Support Program connects you with a trained peer supporter who knows firsthand the unique stressors firefighter...
08/13/2026

Our Peer Support Program connects you with a trained peer supporter who knows firsthand the unique stressors firefighters face. They are well-equipped to walk alongside you when you need them most.

For more information and confidential help, call our 24-hour hotline: 888-784-6634. Select option 2 for Peer Support. https://mnfireinitiative.com/peer-support/

Our mission is to support firefighters AND the families that stand alongside them. That's why confidential help is also ...
08/10/2026

Our mission is to support firefighters AND the families that stand alongside them. That's why confidential help is also available for the loved ones firefighters hold close.

Any member of a firefighter’s household, including children living away from home, can access up to five no-cost counseling visits per issue, per year. Learn more and find additional resources here:

As part of MnFIRE’s free ongoing health and wellness training for all Minnesota firefighters, fire service significant others, spouses and family members can participate in a special training designed to give you the tools, skills and perspective needed to support the health and well-being of your...

We're deeply grateful to the many golfers, volunteers and sponsors who joined us at MnFORE, our annual golf tournament t...
08/07/2026

We're deeply grateful to the many golfers, volunteers and sponsors who joined us at MnFORE, our annual golf tournament that supports life-changing health and wellness resources for firefighters throughout the state. Check out our recap blog about the scorching hot yet extremely fun day at Legends Club, and save the date for next year's tournament: July 13, 2027! ⛳

The 2026 MnFORE Golf Tournament was a sold-out success, raising critical funds to support Minnesota firefighter health and wellness.

You're invited to the first annual Minnesota 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb hosted by Red Line Fitness! This event will benef...
08/06/2026

You're invited to the first annual Minnesota 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb hosted by Red Line Fitness! This event will benefit MnFIRE and the Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, helping support Minnesota firefighters and their families.

The day honors the 343 firefighters, the law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and others who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on September 11, 2001. All ages and fitness levels are welcome to participate, and a walking route is available for those who are unable to climb. Find more information and register today:

Honoring the 343. Carrying Their Legacy.On Friday, September 11, 2026, join firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, military members,…

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PO Box 124
Isanti, MN
55040

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