Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and authorized additional state assistance to support ongoing wildfire response efforts in northern Minnesota.

“Unpredictable and fast-moving wildfires are putting Minnesota communities at risk,” said Governor Walz. “This emergency declaration ensures we can fully mobilize the resources needed to protect lives, support evacuations, and help communities respond and recover. I’m grateful to the firefighters, members of the Minnesota National Guard, andall our first responders working around the clock to keep Minnesotans safe.”

The declaration comes as unusually dry, hot, and windy conditions have created dangerous wildfire risk across much of the state. Since May 15, multiple fires have ignited and spread across portions of Lake, Crow Wing, and St. Louis Counties, threatening lives, property, and critical infrastructure.Among the largest active fires are the Steward Trail Fire near Two Harbors, estimated at 355 acres, and the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County, estimated at 1,000 acres. Current weather conditions pose a continued risk for rapid fire growth and spread.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is coordinating closely with state and local partners to support fire suppression, evacuation efforts, and emergency response operations. Responding agencies include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, and local emergency responders. At the request of the Department of Natural Resources, the Executive Order authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide personnel, equipment, and resources to assist with wildfire suppression and emergency response efforts.

The costs of state assistance will be paid from the general fund in accordance with state law. The peacetime emergency is effective immediately and will remain in place until emergency conditions subside or June 7, 2026, whichever occurs first.