Explore

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Combat Northern Wildfires Amid Evacuations

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Combat Northern Wildfires Amid Evacuations

The Minnesota National Guard has been activated to assist in battling wildfires in the northern region of the state. This action follows a request from the Department of Natural Resources for additional support. Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order declaring a peacetime emergency, enabling the mobilization of resources to protect lives and support evacuations. The Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors has expanded to approximately 355 acres, while the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County covers about 1,200 acres. As of Sunday, the Stewart Trail fire was 30% contained. Mandatory evacuations are in place for areas northeast of Two Harbors, and State Highway 61 is closed between Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Preliminary damage assessments indicate that 34 structures have been destroyed, including eight primary buildings.

Governor Tim Walz Mobilizes Minnesota National Guard to Combat Northern Wildfires

Governor Tim Walz Mobilizes Minnesota National Guard to Combat Northern Wildfires

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has declared a peacetime emergency to mobilize the state's National Guard in response to wildfires in the northern region. The decision follows a request from the Department of Natural Resources for additional support as the fires, described as 'unpredictable and fast-moving,' threaten local communities. The emergency declaration allows for the full mobilization of resources to protect lives, support evacuations, and aid in community recovery efforts. The National Guard will provide staffing, equipment, and other assistance to firefighting operations. Significant fires include the Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors, which has grown to 355 acres, and the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County, covering about 1,200 acres. Mandatory evacuations are in place, and Highway 61 is closed due to the Stewart Trail fire. The Minnesota Incident Command System reports 30% containment of the Stewart Trail fire, but changing wind patterns pose challenges to containment efforts.

Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, 60% Contained

Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, 60% Contained

Firefighters in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, have made significant progress in containing the Flanders Fire, which has burned approximately 1,600 acres. As of Monday evening, the fire is reported to be 60% contained, meaning containment lines have been established around 60% of the fire's perimeter to prevent further spread. Crews are actively working to strengthen these lines, extinguish hot spots, and assess potential hazards such as damaged trees near roads and buildings. The fire has prompted evacuations in the area, and local businesses have stepped up to provide food and other assistance to affected residents. Additionally, a second wildfire, the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors, is also being addressed by emergency crews. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency, authorizing state resources, including the Minnesota National Guard, to assist in the wildfire response.

Tornadoes Devastate Nebraska Home, Prompting Emergency Response

Tornadoes Devastate Nebraska Home, Prompting Emergency Response

Over the weekend, a series of violent storms produced destructive tornadoes across five states, including Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota. In Howard County, Nebraska, a newly built home was completely leveled by a tornado, leaving only the basement intact. Christina Parden and her daughter Graci Boersen, who had moved into the home just two weeks prior, took shelter in the basement during the storm. The tornado was described by Boersen as the most terrifying experience of her life. In the aftermath, volunteers have been assisting the family in salvaging what remains of their belongings. The severe weather system responsible for these tornadoes is also causing high winds and wildfires across the Great Plains, with the Sharpe Fire in southeastern Colorado burning over 16,000 acres and prompting evacuations.

Minnesota Bonding Bill Allocates $10 Million to FM Area Diversion Project for Flood Control

Minnesota Bonding Bill Allocates $10 Million to FM Area Diversion Project for Flood Control

The Minnesota Bonding Bill has allocated $10 million to the FM Diversion Project, aimed at enhancing flood control in the region. This funding will be managed by the Moorhead-Clay County Joint Powers Authority and will be used for stormwater lift station improvements in Moorhead, as well as other mitigation projects in Clay and Wilkin Counties. The Metro Flood Diversion Authority Board has approved a 50/50 match for this funding, leveraging an additional $100 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This financial boost will facilitate $20 million worth of flood control work in Minnesota, with project commencement expected this year.

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Combat Northern Wildfires

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Combat Northern Wildfires

Minnesota has activated its National Guard to assist in battling wildfires in the northern part of the state. Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order declaring a peacetime emergency to mobilize resources for firefighting and community support. Two major fires, the Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors and the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County, have burned approximately 355 acres (145 hectares) and 1,200 acres (485 hectares), respectively. The Stewart Trail fire is currently 30% contained, but dry and windy conditions have fueled additional outbreaks. Mandatory evacuations are in place for areas northeast of Two Harbors, and State Highway 61 is closed between Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Preliminary damage assessments indicate that 34 structures, including eight homes, have been destroyed. Authorities have also issued a temporary flight restriction and urged the public to avoid operating drones near the affected areas.

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Combat Northern Wildfires Amid Dry, Windy Conditions

Minnesota National Guard Deployed to Combat Northern Wildfires Amid Dry, Windy Conditions

Minnesota has activated its National Guard to assist in battling wildfires in the northern part of the state. Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order declaring a peacetime emergency, citing the unpredictable and fast-moving nature of the fires. Two major blazes, the Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors and the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County, have burned approximately 355 acres (145 hectares) and 1,200 acres, respectively. Dry and windy weather has exacerbated the situation, leading to new outbreaks and complicating containment efforts. As of Sunday afternoon, the Stewart Trail fire was 30% contained. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for areas northeast of Two Harbors, and State Highway 61 has been closed between Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Preliminary damage assessments indicate that 34 structures, including eight homes, have been destroyed. Authorities have also implemented a temporary flight restriction to prevent drones from interfering with firefighting operations.

Major Wildfires in Colorado and Minnesota Prompt Evacuations and Emergency Response

Major Wildfires in Colorado and Minnesota Prompt Evacuations and Emergency Response

Active wildfires in Colorado and Minnesota have triggered emergency responses, including mandatory evacuations and the deployment of the National Guard. In Colorado, the Sharpe Fire has led to the evacuation of all 3,500 residents in Baca County, including the town of Campo. The fire, which originated in Oklahoma, has burned approximately 520 acres in Colorado and remains at zero percent containment. In Minnesota, the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County has rapidly expanded, growing from 600 acres in the morning to 2,100 acres by Sunday evening, with no containment reported. The National Weather Service has issued a Dangerous Fire Condition alert for the Southern High Plains, while severe weather advisories are in effect for the Central Plains and Upper Midwest. These fires coincide with high temperatures and arid conditions, which have extended the wildfire season in the region.

Wildfires in Colorado and Minnesota Prompt Evacuations and Emergency Response

Wildfires in Colorado and Minnesota Prompt Evacuations and Emergency Response

Two major wildfires, the Sharpe Fire in Colorado and the Flanders Fire in Minnesota, have triggered emergency responses and mandatory evacuations. The Sharpe Fire, originating in Oklahoma, has spread into southeastern Colorado, burning approximately 520 acres as of late Sunday and prompting the evacuation of all 3,500 residents of Baca County, including the town of Campo. Meanwhile, the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, has rapidly expanded from 600 acres to 2,100 acres within a single day and remains at zero percent containment. Both fires are fueled by drought conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph. The National Guard has been deployed in Minnesota to assist with evacuations, and the Colorado Department of Transportation has closed Highway 287 to facilitate safe travel to evacuation shelters.

Wildfire Near Two Harbors, Minnesota Expands to Over 370 Acres

Wildfire Near Two Harbors, Minnesota Expands to Over 370 Acres

A significant wildfire has erupted several miles north of Two Harbors, Minnesota, expanding to cover more than 370 acres. The fire's rapid growth has been documented through videos shared on social media, showcasing the extensive destruction it has caused. Local officials are actively monitoring the situation as they work to contain the blaze. The fire's proximity to populated areas raises concerns about potential evacuations and the safety of residents in the affected regions.

Evacuation Orders Issued as Stewart Trail Fire Burns Near Two Harbors, Minnesota

Evacuation Orders Issued as Stewart Trail Fire Burns Near Two Harbors, Minnesota

A wildfire, named the Stewart Trail Fire, broke out on Friday afternoon, May 15, 2026, northeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. As of Friday night, the fire had spread across 100 acres with no containment reported, according to the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center. Local, state, and federal firefighting teams, supported by aircraft conducting water and fire retardant drops, have been working tirelessly to control the blaze. Evacuation orders were issued by Lake County for residents and businesses along State Highway 61 and County Road 3. Highway 61 remains closed between Two Harbors and Castle Danger as of Saturday morning, May 16, 2026. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and there is no confirmation yet on whether any structures have been lost.

Crow Wing County Wildfire Forces Evacuations as Blaze Grows to 600 Acres

Crow Wing County Wildfire Forces Evacuations as Blaze Grows to 600 Acres

A wildfire in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, has prompted evacuations as it expanded to 600 acres on Saturday evening, May 16, 2026. According to the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, the Flanders wildfire, located approximately 10 miles east of Breezy Point, remains uncontained as of 5:00 PM local time. Emergency crews, including fire and law enforcement personnel, are actively monitoring the situation and working to contain the fire. This is the second significant wildfire in northern Minnesota over the weekend. Another fire, the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors, had reached 355 acres by Saturday night and was reported to be 30% contained. Firefighters have also been responding to several smaller wildfires across the region. Residents in affected areas have been urged to evacuate and avoid the vicinity to ensure their safety and allow emergency responders to operate effectively.