VIDEO: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
In Crow Wing County, the Flanders Fire has grown to an estimated 1,200 acres. As of Sunday morning, it is 0% contained.
Another fire, several miles north of Two Harbors, has burned more than 350 acres and is 30% contained.
“Unpredictable and fast-moving wildfires are putting Minnesota communities at risk,” Walz said. “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, and all our first responders working around the clock to keep Minnesotans safe.”
Walz says the peacetime emergency will remain in effect “until emergency conditions subside” or on June 7, whichever happens first.
The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says red flag warning conditions contributed to the spread of the fires.
