Minnesota Crews Battle Wildfires, National Guard Steps In

Firefighters across northern Minnesota are making steady progress against wildfires that have burned more than 1,500 acres, thanks to coordinated efforts from local crews, state resources, and newly deployed National Guard members.

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard after the Department of Natural Resources requested additional support to battle the unpredictable blazes. The Guard is providing crucial staffing, equipment, and emergency response support to communities facing evacuation orders and road closures.

The two largest fires currently burning are the Stewart Trail fire near Two Harbors, which has grown to 355 acres, and the Flanders fire in Crow Wing County at roughly 1,200 acres. By Sunday afternoon, crews had achieved 30% containment on the Stewart Trail fire despite dry, windy conditions that fueled several new outbreaks over the weekend.

Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler praised the around-the-clock efforts of emergency responders working to protect residents and visitors. "The crews are doing the best they can," Stadler said at a Saturday news conference. "They're working hard to get this fire under control, get the area safe, so that people can get back into their properties."

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for areas northeast of Two Harbors, with State Highway 61 closed between Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Emergency teams have been coordinating safe evacuations while assessing damage and planning recovery efforts.

The Bright Side

While 34 structures were damaged or destroyed by the Stewart Trail fire, the rapid mobilization of resources prevented far greater loss. The swift emergency declaration allowed Minnesota to deploy every available tool to protect lives and property, from National Guard helicopters to specialized firefighting equipment.

First responders from across the state answered the call, working together to contain the fires before they could threaten additional communities. Their coordinated response demonstrates how emergency management systems can protect people even during fast-moving natural disasters.

The containment progress on the Stewart Trail fire shows that despite challenging weather conditions, dedicated crews are gaining ground. Each percentage point of containment brings evacuated residents closer to returning home and beginning the recovery process.

Governor Walz expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the firefighting efforts, from National Guard members to first responders who have worked tirelessly to keep Minnesotans safe during this emergency.