safety
National Guard deployment extended for northern Minnesota wildfires
By Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
Governor Tim Walz and an emergency council voted on Wednesday morning to keep the National Guard in northern Minnesota to help communities that have been affected.
This decision will extend the peacetime emergency for an additional 30 days beyond Aug. 11.
RELATED: Wildfire evacuation orders...
Key takeaway This decision will extend the peacetime emergency for an additional 30 days beyond Aug.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The extension of the National Guard deployment in northern Minnesota has significant implications for the Twin Cities area, as the region's residents often visit and recreate in the affected wilderness areas. The temporary closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a popular destination for Minneapolis and St. Paul residents, will likely have a ripple effect on local outfitters and businesses that rely on tourism in the region. Furthermore, the ongoing wildfires and evacuations may also impact the regional air quality, potentially affecting the health and well-being of Minneapolis residents, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. As the Emergency Executive Council meets to vote on the extension, Minneapolis residents should be aware of the potential consequences of the wildfires on their own community, beyond the immediate affected areas in northern Minnesota.
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 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Governor Tim Walz and an emergency council voted on Wednesday morning to keep the National Guard in northern Minnesota to help communities that have been affected.
This decision will extend the peacetime emergency for an additional 30 days beyond Aug. 11.
RELATED: Wildfire evacuation orders...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joseph Swanson 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 .
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