Governor Walz Declares Peacetime Emergency

Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency as wildfires continue to threaten northeastern Minnesota. The order authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to assist with firefighting and emergency response in Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Dry conditions, lightning strikes, and a Red Flag Warning have fueled multiple fires. The U.S. Forest Service has closed 225-thousand acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness after 17 wildfires ignited over the past week, forcing evacuations and closing several trails and entry points. State and federal agencies continue working to contain the fires and protect nearby communities.