During a special meeting July 20, 2026, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a declaration of local emergency in response to wildfires burning both within Cook County and nearby areas following lightning strikes on July 6th. 

This declaration enables Cook County to request state public emergency and disaster assistance in accordance with local, state, and federal law. It also allows the County to pursue reimbursement for eligible costs incurred during wildfire response operations. 

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management teams are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR), St. Louis & Lake Counties, and the newly established National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team to ensure a unified and effective response.  

During the meeting, the County Administrator and Commissioners expressed appreciation for the many County departments and partner organizations working to support public safety and communication efforts. These include the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, Community Center, Public Health and Human Services, Facilities, Management Information Systems, Communications, Administration, as well as partners with the U.S. Forest Service, DNR, and the Grand Portage Band. Commissioners also extended a thank you to community members for taking care of one another and for the support.  

Cook County continues to provide updated information on this developing situation. Find the latest details at: https://cookcountymn.gov/news_detail_T6_R842.php