&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Minnesota wildfires: Governor Tim Walz declares emergency, deploys National Guard to battle blazes")
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Sunday (July 12) declared a peacetime emergency after multiple wildfires erupted on the state’s northern border with Canada. Walz has also mobilised the state National Guard troops to help in combatting the blazes. According to a Minnesota state website, the inferno has engulfed more than 800 acres in five days and is still not contained. They are among the latest in a swath of fires that have raged across the United States due to hot, dry conditions driven by an El Nino weather pattern across the continent.
“I’ve declared a peacetime emergency and mobilised the National Guard to assist with wildfire response in northern Minnesota,” the Democrat governor said in a post on X. “Minnesotans extend our deepest gratitude to all of the first responders working around the clock to keep their neighbours safe.”
Red flag warning issued
According to authorities, 17 fires are currently burning in the Superior National Forest, a popular recreation area that attracts around 150,000 visitors during the summer season. A red flag warning was placed in the region due to fire danger. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said that campers and visitors were escorted out by rangers as a precaution during the weekend.
The National Weather Service said high temperatures over the weekend increased the risk of rapid fire spread, making containment efforts more challenging. Fire crews remain on the ground as officials monitor conditions and work to prevent the blazes from expanding further.
Meanwhile, a wildifre in Southern California charred nearly 2,700 acres on Saturday (Jul 11), prompting authorities to evacuate amid dangerous heat wave.
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
No connection between Jantar Mantar protesters and Pakistan-based ISI terror module, Punjab Police clarify
)
'Massive attack coming... wait, never mind': Iran mocks US 'theatre diplomacy,' rejects Trump's claim of Hormuz progress
)
Reels vs Results: Why political messaging alone won't win over India's young voters
)
Major relief for TN CM Vijay as wife Sangeetha withdraws infidelity and divorce petition
)
France offers deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be made in India
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Explained | Can India reach WTC final with a series win in Sri Lanka?
)
'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia
)
Primetime trailer: Robert Pattinson channels Chris Hansen in A24's dark crime thriller
)
Zendaya and Tom Holland celebrate their marriage with private reception in England
)
Vishal Bhardwaj to develop film on Tarun Tejpal case after latest court verdict: Report
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 operate in the desert?
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
Thailand teen killed grandparents before shooting teachers at school – What we know about suspect
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
)
NZ female politician joins meeting from bathroom with underwear hanging - 'You can see my washing, you can see me'
)
‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Bluefly: Priyanka Chopra joins Russell Crowe for new sci-fi action thriller
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances
)
Born in the USA? Trump targets 'birth tourism' with new birthright citizenship executive order
)
Michael 2 plans revealed: Makers to start filming soon with THIS release window
)
OpenAI reportedly building donut-shaped ChatGPT smart speaker for homes
)
‘Certain munitions are unlimited, others...’: Did Trump admit some US weapons supplies were limited?
)
At least 4 killed 15 injured in shooting at school near Bangkok
)
US may force more visa applicants to make social media accounts public under Trump's new plan
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built
Over 2,500 wildfires in US this year
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 2,584 wildfires have burned over 79,690 acres statewide so far this year. While 25 structures have been destroyed, no fatalities have been confirmed.
Officials attribute the increasing wildfires in the country to a combination of prolonged drought, rising temperatures and dry vegetation.
