Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz mobilized the National Guard on July 12 to assist firefighters in battling wildfires in northern Minnesota after declaring a peacetime emergency.
A peacetime emergency is an executive order that allows the governor to mobilize state resources to respond to crises, including natural disasters, terrorist incidents, cyberattacks, and civil disturbances.
As of Sunday evening, the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota had 16 wildfires burning, including four within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, according to the Incident Information System website.
“Minnesotans extend our deepest gratitude to all of the first responders working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe,” the governor said in a post on X.
I’ve declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to assist with wildfire response in northern Minnesota.
Minnesotans extend our deepest gratitude to all of the first responders working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) July 12, 2026
High temperatures over the weekend increased fire risk, according to the National Weather Service. The U.S. Forest Service said on July 10 it was closing part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) due to a nearby wildfire in Quetico Provincial Park.
The forest closure order took effect on July 12 and will remain in effect until the fire is contained, the U.S. Forest Service said.
“Please remain vigilant while out on your public lands. Fuel conditions remain very dry and new fire starts are possible,” it stated. The agency then announced Monday that it is temporarily closing the entire BWCAW beginning Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.
According to the Incident Information System, firefighters continue to suppress the fires as high temperatures, winds, low humidity, and the lack of precipitation increase fire activity in some parts of Minnesota.
Thirteen counties in northeastern Minnesota were placed under red flag warnings on July 13, meaning no open burning permits will be issued and campfires are strongly discouraged due to “extreme fire danger.” The affected counties are Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Marshall, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, and St. Louis, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“People should use extreme caution when doing activities that can cause sparks or heat near vegetation by securing trailer chains, parking ATVs on gravel or pavement, and using chainsaws or other equipment outside of the Red Flag warning hours,” the department said.
According to the National Weather Service, an extreme heat warning remains in effect across parts of Minnesota through Tuesday, with the heat index expected to reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
The agency warned that the risk of heat-related illness is high during periods of extreme heat and high humidity.
People in heat impacted areas are urged to stay hydrated, take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas, and limit outdoor activities.
“Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” the agency said.
This article was originally published by The Epoch Times.
