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MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz declared a state of peacetime emergency on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and activated the Minnesota National Guard as 20 active wildfires continue to burn across the northern region of the state. The action, requested by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aims to bring additional personnel, equipment and logistical support to wildfire suppression and emergency response operations. Under the executive order, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard is authorized to place troops on state active duty and deploy military assets to assist civil authorities on the ground. The Homeland Security and Emergency Management division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will continue to coordinate onsite resources and work with affected local governments as the situation evolves. NORTHERN MINNESOTA – The fires have burned more than 800 acres over a five-day period and remain largely uncontained, as hot, dry and windy conditions drive rapid spread across forested areas and nearby communities. Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to an active El Niño pattern, and the National Weather Service has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for extreme heat and humidity, with temperatures forecast to reach the low 90s and no immediate rain expected. In response to escalating fire danger, the U.S. Forest Service on Saturday, July 11, closed roughly 225,000 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern St. Louis County, stretching from the Crane Lake area to north of Ely and up to the Canadian border, after 17 wildfires were reported in and around the region.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.