Minnesotans helping to fight wildfires in western US

Dozens of Minnesotans are helping fight wildfires burning across the western U.S.

The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center said the significant rise in wildfire acitivity has stretched available resources out west, leading wildland firefighters from across the country, including more than 70 personnel from state and federal agencies in Minnesota, to join the suppression efforts. Minnesota’s firefighters are supporting suppression efforts in six states, including California, the Fire Center said.

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Wednesday, the National Interagency Fire Center reported 96 active wildfires that have burned more than 1.8 million acres across 13 states.

“As wildfire activity outside of Minnesota escalates, our wildland firefighters are trained and qualified to support response efforts wherever the need is greatest. Right now, the need out west is extreme,” said Leanne Langeberg, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center public information officer.

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The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center said Minnesota isn’t entirely clear of a fall wildfire season, and conditions continue to be monitored daily with dry conditions still in several parts of the state.