Miles for MnFIRE Day 2: Esko to Mahtowa

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 Esko, Mahtowa, 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 2:

Starting location: Esko, MN
Finish for the day: Mahtowa, MN
Miles completed: 17
Weather report: 63°F and misty

Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode started day two of Miles for MnFIRE, the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul. On Sunday, Sept. 14, the team began at the Willard Munger State Trail near Esko, Minn.

Keeping a steady pace of approximately 19 minutes per mile, Foote and Bode made various stops to recharge, including a longer break at Carlton Fire Department, where Chief Derek Wolf chatted with the walkers and Wired Loon Coffee supplied some delicious fresh muffins.

The team finished the day in Mahtowa and was joined by Marley the service dog for the last leg of the journey!

The story of Miles for MnFIRE continues to reach every corner of our state. As the walk and coverage continues (including a new story by KARE 11 on its website), we’re excited to share that Miles for MnFIRE has raised $35,250 so far. We appreciate all of the support as we aim for our goal of $100,000. For more details or to donate, click here.

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. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

Photos by Ric Rosow

Recent News

PTSD Awareness Month: You don’t need to climb the mountain alone
June 23, 2026
Why firefighters should join the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer
June 9, 2026
It’s time to schedule your next MnFIRE training
May 19, 2026
MnFIRE Supports Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota
May 6, 2026
MnFIRE instructor takes his own advice, calls hotline for help
April 20, 2026
St. Paul firefighter advocates for peer support, sleep and exercise
April 3, 2026
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Shoutout to our latest training survey Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner – Paul Dill of Saint Paul Fire Department! 🔦

Our no-cost health and wellness trainings are available year round and conveniently scheduled to meet the needs of your department: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Shoutout to our late

Meet Doug, Haydn and Keegan Foote – a fire service family we are honored to showcase this Father's Day.

Doug is an Excelsior and St. Bonifacius firefighter who has been an exceptional champion of the MnFIRE mission over the years (Miles for MnFIRE, anyone?), and his sons Haydn and Keegan have carried on the family firefighting legacy.

"Serving with Haydn and Keegan has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life," said Doug. "Seeing one's son performing CPR on someone, fighting a fire, assisting with a personal injury or simply doing a lift assist is an awesome emotional experience. We have a tradition each Father's Day of serving at least one duty crew shift. It is humbling the day your son officially becomes your brother."

Happy Father's Day from all of us at MnFIRE. ❤️
... See MoreSee Less

Meet Doug, Haydn and

You keep us safe. We've got you covered.

The Hometown Heroes Assistance Program provides vital, no-cost physical and mental health resources to those who protect us when it matters most. If you're an active Minnesota firefighter, this is for you. mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/

#NationalSafetyMonth
... See MoreSee Less

You keep us safe. We

MnFORE is about more than just golf – it's about the fire service community! Whether you're on or off the course, we'd love for you to join us at the July 14th event presented by Schmidt and Salita Law Team.

Don't miss your chance to attend: mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/
... See MoreSee Less

MnFORE is about more
Load more
Skip to content