NORTHERN MINNESOTA — Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to help battle wildfires burning in northern Minnesota after the Department of Natural Resources requested additional support. Walz authorized the deployment by issuing an executive order that declared a peacetime emergency. Through the activation, National Guard members will contribute staffing, equipment and other aid to support firefighting operations and broader emergency response activities.

"Unpredictable and fast-moving wildfires are putting Minnesota communities at risk. 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 said.

Dry, windy weather on Saturday fueled several new wildfires in northern Minnesota. The Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors has grown to an estimated 355 acres (145 hectares), while the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County has burned an estimated 1,200 acres.

By Sunday afternoon, the Stewart Trail fire had reached 30% containment, the Minnesota Incident Command System reported. Preliminary damage assessments showed the fire destroyed 34 structures, including eight primary buildings such as homes and 26 secondary structures.

State Highway 61 was shut down between Two Harbors and Silver Bay due to the Stewart Trail fire. Mandatory evacuations remained in effect on Sunday for residences and businesses northeast of Two Harbors.

Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler addressed the response efforts on Sunday. "We know that this situation is stressful for residents, visitors, everybody involved, and our teams are working around the clock to keep people safe." he said.

"The crews are doing the best they can. They're working hard to get this fire under control, get the area safe, so that people can get back into their properties." Stadler said.