Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Moose Lake, Willow River, Hinckley, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 1:

Starting location: Duluth Fire Station #1, Duluth, MN
Finish for the day: Esko, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 60°F and cloudy

This morning at Duluth Fire Station #1, the door raised for Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode, marking the start to their more than 150-mile walk to St. Paul. Fueled by cheers from family, friends and community members, Foote and Bode wove their way through the streets of Duluth and onto the Willard Munger State Trail, completing 17 miles and finishing in Esko, Minn.

“It was so fulfilling to take the first steps with my brother Kyle Bode as we departed Duluth Fire Department Station 1,” says Foote. “All the weeks of training were over and the journey had finally begun. Duluth Fire had a rig protecting our backs all the way to the pedestrian walkway over Hwy 35, then we headed to the Munger Trail. What an awesome send off from MnFIRE, our family, friends and Duluth Fire. We are blessed to have so much support!”

Shout out to some very special fans who supported the Miles for MnFIRE walkers today:

• Barb Goodman, who lost her firefighter husband, Larry, to brain cancer in 2024. Bode has named Larry as one of the firefighters he is honoring with his Miles for MnFIRE journey. Barb made a poster honoring Larry and cheering on Kyle and Doug.
• Representative Pete Johnson, who is also a member of the Duluth Fire Department.
• Ric Rosow, who is photographing Miles for MnFIRE and is an event sponsor.

Ahead of today’s kick-off, MnFIRE President and Founder Mike Dobesh and Foote appeared on The Lift, a lifestyle show on WDIO (ABC). Foote was also interviewed by WCCO radio. Miles for MnFIRE continues tomorrow as the walkers make their way from Esko, through Carlton and end in Mahtowa.

This event is raising awareness and funds for firefighter health. So far, Miles for MnFIRE has raised $34,730. Our goal is $100,000. For more details or to donate, visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for updates along the way as our walkers, Doug and Kyle, head toward the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul, where they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Sept. 21.