Minnesota Activates National Guard for Northern Wildfires

Minnesota's National Guard has been activated to assist with wildfires burning in the northern part of the state. Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order declaring a peacetime emergency after the Department of Natural Resources requested additional support.

"Unpredictable and fast-moving wildfires are putting Minnesota communities at risk," Governor Tim Walz said in a statement. By Sunday afternoon, the Minnesota Incident Command System reported that the Stewart Trail fire had reached 30% containment. Mandatory evacuations remained in effect on Sunday for residences and businesses north-east of Two Harbors.

State Highway 61 was also shut down between Two Harbors and Silver Bay.

Nathan Stadler, the Lake County sheriff, said on Saturday evening that preliminary damage assessments showed the fire destroyed 34 structures, including eight primary buildings such as homes and another 26 secondary structures. Officials warned that changing wind patterns and stronger gusts may complicate containment efforts.

A temporary flight restriction remains active and officials urged people not to operate drones near the fires.