Walz: 29 Minnesota firefighters to assist response to Oregon fires

Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that 29 Minnesota firefighters will travel to Oregon to assist wildfires that have spread across the state.

According to a release from the governor’s office, Oregon officials requested 10 fire strike teams from around the country to assist in the state’s response to the wildfires.

Minnesota is sending two task forces with firefighters and nine trucks from Brainerd, Fisher, Bemidji, Eden Prairie, Motley, Cross Lake and Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View fire departments.

"The Minnesota fire service is known for stepping up in critical situations, putting their lives on the line to save others," Walz said in a statement. "I am proud of the way they’ve answered this call to serve. My thoughts are with the residents of Oregon, California, and Washington during this harrowing time."