Governor Tim Walz declared a state of emergency amid growing wildfires in Minnesota, authorizing the deployment of the National Guard to quell the flames.
Walz issued the peacetime executive order on Sunday after fires began roaring in Crow Wing County and Two Harbors amid dry and windy conditions over the weekend.
'Unpredictable and fast-moving wildfires are putting communities at risk,' Walz said in a statement, per the Guardian.
'This emergency declaration ensures we can fully mobilize the resources needed to protect lives, support evacuations, and help communities respond and recover.'
According to Fox9, the National Guard will assist with evacuations, recovery, and the better distribution of state resources.
Walz's executive order will remain in effect until the conditions subside or June 7.
'Grateful to all those stepping into harm's way to keep their neighbors safe,' Walz wrote on social media.
Evacuation orders are in effect for parts of Crow Wing County and Two Harbors as Minnesota deploys planes, firefighters and first responders to tend the fires.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz enacted a peace time executive order on Sunday to address growing wildfires in his state
Fires broke out over the weekend in several Minnesota counties after red flag warnings were enacted
Several primary structure were estroyed and thoousands of acres were depleted
The Flanders Fire, located in Crow Wing County, has burned approximately 1,600 acres as of Sunday evening, according to CBS.
Minnesota Incident Command System reported on Sunday that the fire was just 20 percent contained.
According to a social media post from Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang, 30 people were displaced from their homes, but no primary residences were destroyed.
Crow Wing County set up a wildfire shelter at the Crosslake Community Center. Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst took to social media to thank his community for coming together.
'We are truly blessed with an incredible community,' he wrote. 'Thank you to everyone who continues to support our first responders, displaced residents and all those affected by this wildfire.
'The outpouring of kindness and willingness to help has been nothing short of amazing. '
The fire in Two Harbors, two hours northeast, was 62 percent contained as of Sunday night after burning more than 350 acres.
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler reported the fire surrounding Two Harbors had destroyed 34 structures, including eight primary buildings.
As of Sunday evening, fires in Crow Wing County were 20 percent contained
Evacuation orders were issued in multiple states and several county roads were closed
'We know that this situation is stressful for residents, visitors, everybody involved, and our teams are working around the clock to keep people safe,' he said.
'The crews are doing the best they can. They’re working hard to get this fire under control, get the area safe, so that people can get back into their properties.'
Several roads in both areas were shut down ahead of Monday's commute, including parts of US Highway 61, Highway 106 and County Road 11.
Officials said the flames were caused by red flag conditions, which were issued for 15 Minnesota counties on Saturday, reported Fox9.
The warning, which indicated high fire risk, urged residents to avoid burning debris and to take extra fire safety precautions.
No major injuries or deaths have been reported.
Strong wind gusts up to 15mph and changing patterns in the coming days could affect containment efforts. A temporary flight restriction was issued over Minnesota skies.
A temporary flight restriction was issued in Minnesota as residents were encourage dto exercise increased fire safety
Walz deployed the National guard to fight wildfires in Minnesota in April and May of last year (pictured)
Minnesota-based non-profit Bridges of Hope announced they would be serving as the coordinating partner for households directly affected by the weekend's fires, reported KAXE.
'We're actively preparing our response and coordinating next steps with community partners,' it wrote on social media. 'We will continue sharing updates as needs and response plans develop.
'Thank you to everyone showing care and support for our community during this time.'
Walz last called on the National Guard to battle wildfires in April and May of last year. The flames scorched more than 40,000 acres and destroyed 150 structures.