Minnesota Battles Wildfires: National Guard Joins the Fight

Minnesota's National Guard has been activated to assist in the ongoing battle against wildfires raging in the northern part of the state. Governor Tim Walz, recognizing the urgency of the situation, issued an executive order declaring a peacetime emergency, enabling the deployment of additional resources.

The governor emphasized the unpredictable and swift nature of the wildfires, which pose a significant risk to communities across Minnesota. The emergency declaration ensures a comprehensive mobilization of resources to protect lives, facilitate evacuations, and support affected areas in their response and recovery efforts.

"I'm grateful to the firefighters, members of the Minnesota National Guard, and all our first responders working tirelessly to safeguard Minnesotans," said Governor Walz. The National Guard's involvement includes providing crucial staffing, equipment, and other essential aid to firefighting operations and broader emergency response initiatives.

Two of the most prominent fires are the Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors, covering approximately 355 acres, and the Flanders fire in Crow Wing county, estimated at 1,200 acres. Firefighters faced challenging conditions on Saturday as dry, windy weather exacerbated the situation, leading to new wildfire outbreaks.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) reported that the Stewart Trail fire was 30% contained. Mandatory evacuations continued in the northeast of Two Harbors, and State Highway 61 was closed between Two Harbors and Silver Bay.

Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler confirmed that the fire had destroyed 34 structures, including eight primary buildings and 26 secondary structures. He assured residents and visitors that teams were working around the clock to ensure their safety and bring the fire under control.

State authorities cautioned that changing wind patterns and stronger gusts could hinder containment efforts. Additionally, a temporary flight restriction remains in place, and officials urged the public to refrain from flying drones near the fires.