Flagstaff International Relief Effort (FIRE) is a 501c.3 grass roots, non-religious, nonpolitical, non-profit,organization registered in the United States. We are currently in the process of registering as an Non-Government Organization (NGO) in Mongolia, where our efforts are currently focused. After more than a decade of work, FIRE continues to evolve to meet challenges in a rapidly changing Mongolia. We are focused on empowering and self-sustaining programs to serve Mongolia.

In addition to our headquarters office in Flagstaff, AZ, FIRE also has a permanent office in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia. FIRE has one full-time Executive Director who splits her time between Mongolia and Flagstaff, AZ, one full-time Medical Director in Mongolia and five members on its Board of Directors. All five board members are experienced FIRE team leaders or volunteer team members. We have a dedicated volunteer base averaging over 1000 volunteer hours per a year, with volunteers maintain most of our administrative tasks.

Founded and run by volunteers for our first four years, the rewards of productive volunteerism are the foundation of FIRE. We serve to enable volunteers in activities that are the most beneficial to Mongolia as well as satisfying to themselves. Our exceptional infrastructure for volunteers empowers groups and individuals to lead programs, establish long-term relationships and implement programs. Our volunteer system dramatically expands our personnel resource base and the expertise available to Mongolian professionals.

Our distribution trips over the last decade, have given FIRE a significant understanding of the logistical challenges and cultural barriers within Mongolia. We have developed a unique and efficient outreach method specialized in rural Mongolia. Through working relationships with Members of Parliament, Governors, Mayors, hospitals, social workers, translators and more around the country, FIRE has become a recognized entity in many locations from Bayan-Olgii to Khenti.

FIRE’s ability to work with the Mongolian medical system in a culturally sensitive manner provides a unique opportunity for an exchange of cross-cultural knowledge and mutual respect between Western and Mongolian medical professionals. It is imperative for us to work within the Mongolian system. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mongolian Ministry of Health for cooperation on all three of our medical programs. All of our medical programs are also in collaboration with the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). We will also work with Millennium Challenge Account – Mongolia (MCA-M) whenever possible. It is important for us to work closely with these organizations to ensure we are following established protocols and guidelines.

The majority of FIRE’s funding comes from private contributions. Due to the active level of volunteers and low overhead costs, 92% of every dollar contributed is spent to provide aid to those in need. FIRE and its directors have been traveling and doing business in Mongolia for over 17 years. FIRE is very well established, resulting in exceptional research, training, collaboration, and logistical support.