safety
Crews battling multiple wildfires in northern Minnesota, state sending additional support
By Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 12, 2026
· 2 min read
With multiple wildfires burning in northern Minnesota, the state is sending additional support to crews working to contain them.
On Sunday, Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the National Guard to help with wildfires that have been burning over the last week.
The Mi...
Key takeaway The Minnesota Incident Command Team (MNICS) took control of 10 wildfires; however, the forest has 20 active wildfires, with five of them inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The situation in northern Minnesota has significant implications for the Twin Cities area, particularly in terms of air quality. As winds shift, smoke from the wildfires could drift south, affecting Minneapolis and surrounding communities. Residents with respiratory issues should monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions. The emergency forest closure order and restrictions in the Superior National Forest and BWCA also impact local outdoor enthusiasts who frequent these areas. With many Minneapolis residents owning cabins or regularly visiting northern Minnesota, the wildfires may have a direct impact on their summer plans. As the state sends additional support to contain the fires, Minneapolis residents can expect to see a increased presence of firefighting personnel and equipment passing through the city, potentially affecting traffic and transportation routes.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Minneapolis stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With multiple wildfires burning in northern Minnesota, the state is sending additional support to crews working to contain them.
On Sunday, Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the National Guard to help with wildfires that have been burning over the last week.
The Mi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter