Governor Walz declares peacetime emergency from wildfires

May 20, 2025

Matt McConico,

Lingering smoke drifts through fire-damaged timber as crews continue work along a dozer line on the Brimson Complex, May 2025. Hazardous snags and smoldering fuels remain a concern as containment efforts progress.

(Via Wildfire,gov)

DULUTH & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz on May 20, 2025 declared a peacetime emergency in response to wildfires in Northeast Minnesota.

This follows St. Louis County officials declaring a state of local emergency and requesting public disaster assistance.

The Governor’s order applies to damage from the the Camp House, Munger Shaw and Jenkins Creek Fire.

He directed state agencies to provide the assistance necessary to help respond to and recover from the wildfires.

In making the declaration the Governor said, “We will continue to deploy every possible resource to respond to the wildfires that are burning across Northern Minnesota… I’m grateful for the tireless work and coordinated response from emergency management officials, first responders, wildland firefighters, and law enforcement to keep Minnesotans safe. We will continue working alongside these frontline responders as they protect life and property.”

The order will further support wildland firefighters and emergency responders.

Under the peacetime emergency, the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will continue to support the coordination of on-site support and assistance to affected local governments and determine the need for additional emergency assistance.