[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 26-08 declaring a peacetime emergency and authorizing additional state assistance to support ongoing wildfire response efforts in northern Minnesota.

“Wildfires have broken out in northeastern Minnesota and are putting local communities at risk,” said Governor Walz. “This emergency declaration allows for the mobilization of additional resources necessary to protect lives, prevent damage, and help the Minnesota DNR and our local communities respond. Minnesotans extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters, members of the Minnesota National Guard, and all our first responders working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe.”

The declaration comes as unusually dry conditions and lightning strikes have created dangerous wildfire risk across much of northeastern Minnesota. Since July 10, multiple fires have ignited in portions of Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties, potentially threatening lives, property, and critical infrastructure. As current weather conditions pose a continued risk for rapid fire growth and spread, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for extreme fire risk.

Beginning on July 11, 2026, the United States Forest Service closed 225,000 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness because of multiple wildfires and continued dry conditions. The US Forest Service reports that 17 wildfires have started in and around the BWCAW in the last week, which have resulted in evacuations and the closure of multiple trails and entry points. These fires are impacting the northwest part of the area, between Ely and Crane Lake, north of the Echo Trail and south of Lac La Croix along the Canadian border. In addition, the Minnesota DNR is leading response on five other fires in the same area.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is coordinating closely with federal, 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, US Forest Service, 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.