ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's office announced Friday that members of the Minnesota National Guard will travel to Louisiana Tuesday to help contain a number of devastating wildfires throughout the state.
The statement released by his office said a team of 10 to 12 soldiers and two UH60 Black Hawk helicopters will arrive in the state on Sept. 5 to assist in fighting the fires officials say stem from abnormally high temperatures and historic drought this year in Louisiana.
Walz's executive order comes after Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency, requesting support from other states under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. There is also a statewide burn ban in effect.
“Minnesotans don’t stand by when there’s a call for help. Thank you to the members of the Minnesota National Guard for answering the call to help battle the wildfires raging through Louisiana,” said Governor Walz in a statement. “We’re committed to helping these communities in need and assisting our partners in Louisiana get these wildfires under control.”
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