About FIRE
Mission
FIRE works to improve health and development through value-centered, community-based programs encompassing cultural diversity and heritage.
Vision
Communities around the world are empowered with a higher quality of life through access to safe health care and sustainable resources for responsible development.
FIRE Projects (FIRE – Flagstaff International Relief Effort) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a registered branch office in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Since 1999, FIRE has served remote and underserved communities throughout rural Mongolia. Since 2009, FIRE’s focus has been on liver health, with award-winning programs that evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
FIRE’s sustainable, community-driven initiatives are culturally sensitive, targeting rural populations, and designed for replication in other countries. We collaborate with partners at local, national, and international levels, including government, civil society, and individuals.
Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world, with the highest rate of liver cancer in the world. Rural Mongolia’s sparse population, limited resources, and logistical challenges are often overlooked by other organizations. FIRE provides critical testing, treatment, health, and educational support to these isolated communities, expanding access to care and saving lives. We remain adaptable and innovative, continually assessing and updating our programs based on lessons learned.
Since 2017, FIRE has led the “Hepatitis Free Mongolia” program. Phase 1, launched alongside Mongolia’s National Healthy Liver Program, expanded hepatitis screening and treatment access across Dornod province by bringing testing—including previously unavailable specialty diagnostics—to all 13 clinics and hospitals. Hepatitis Free Mongolia, Phase 2 began in 2021 with the goal of eliminating hepatitis C (HCV) across Sukhbaatar province while creating a scalable project for HCV elimination in rural Mongolia. As of January 2025, it has screened 94% of the target population (everyone in the province aged 15 and older) and cured 42% of those who tested positive for HCV.
Please visit FIRE’s website to learn more about our work.
FIRE's History with Bayan-Olgii, Mongolia
FIRE has a long history with Bayan-Olgii and Kobesh Travel. FIRE’s Founder, Flagstaff-based Photojournalist David Edwards, first traveled to Bayan-Olgii in 1992, shortly after the collapse of Mongolia’s Soviet-supported economy in 1990. David made countless trips to Mongolia, personally delivering donated winter clothing each time. In 1997, a group of Flagstaff residents founded FIRE to amplify David’s efforts. David’s story about the Kazakh Eagle Hunters was published in the September 1999 issue of National Geographic. A photo from the Tolbo Valley was named one of National Geographic’s 100 Best Photos in 2000.
Agii, the owner and founder of Kobesh Travel, has been collaborating with and supporting FIRE since 2004. He donated his time and relationships as a translator and program manager during our early days of door-to-door distribution aid across the country. From the early days as an English teacher and guide to now, as the owner of the best hotel and highest-quality tour company in Bayan-Olgii, FIRE is grateful for Agii’s partnership and support over the decades.
