DULUTH, MN, September 22, 2020 – Minnesota National Forests, the Superior and Chippewa, along with the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and natural resources agencies across the country are ensuring the national fire suppression effort has adequate staff and resources.  

The Superior experienced one of the longest dry stretches in history through spring and summer, and fire staff have been busy since the first fire occurred on the Superior in mid-April.  As soon as rain came in northern Minnesota hot and dry conditions across the western US pushed the nation into wildfire preparedness level 5 (PL5) on August 18. As of mid-September, the country remains at PL5 and over 32,000 firefighters are deployed to fire suppression efforts across the country.  

"We are currently experiencing unprecedented wildfire conditions throughout the west.  Firefighters across the country including those in the State of Minnesota have mobilized to help in the effort," said Forest Supervisor Connie Cummins.  As of last week, the Superior and Chippewa National Forests assigned approximately 15% of their total workforce (56 and 14 employees, respectively) to support fire efforts in the states of California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Utah.  The State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also sent 51 employees to support the efforts out west.  The Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal partners, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service provided large portions of their Minnesota workforce with a total of 38 employees.

Whether at home working in Minnesota or on a 14-day fire detail away from their permanent jobs, employees have been staying at a level of preparedness and availability for many months.  Everyone involved in the effort is committed to ensuring its success as part of the team, “They keep going, keep a level head, and support each other.  Some people are out on their second or third 14-day detail out west,” said Tony Harding, Assistant Zone Fire Management Officer for the West Zone of the Superior. 

The public can use the InciWeb map (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) to monitor the ongoing status of wildfire conditions across the western United States.  

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.