Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the state National Guard on Sunday to help crews fight wildfires burning along the state’s northern border with Canada.
The blazes have scorched more than 800 acres over five days and remain uncontained, according to a Minnesota state website.
They are part of a broader wave of wildfires that has spread across the United States as hot, dry weather linked to an El Niño pattern grips the continent.
“I’ve declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to assist with wildfire response in northern Minnesota,” Walz, a Democrat, said.
“Minnesotans extend our deepest gratitude to all of the first responders working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe.”
Sixteen fires are currently burning in the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota, a popular summer destination that typically draws about 150,000 visitors.
Over the weekend, park rangers escorted visitors out of the forest, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
The National Weather Service said elevated weekend temperatures further heightened the risk of fire.
