EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 04-05

PROVIDING FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE

MINNESOTAINTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable statutes, do hereby issue this emergency executive order:

WHEREAS, the fire danger rating is extreme in southwestern Minnesota and very high in central Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, a wildfire over 1,000 acres in size in Lac Qui Parle, Swift, and Big Stone counties is threatening property between the towns of Odessa and Correll; and

WHEREAS, Lac Qui Parle, Swift and Big Stone counties do not have adequate local resources for fighting this fire; and

WHEREAS, State agencies, the State Emergency Operations Center, the DNR, and the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC) do not have adequate aviation resources for widespread wildfire suppression; and

WHEREAS, MIFC has requested fire suppression assistance from the Minnesota National Guard.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

1. The Adjutant General of Minnesota order to state active duty on or about April 15, 2004, in the service of the State, such personnel and equipment of the military forces of the State as required and for such period of time as necessary to assist and support wildfire suppression in West Central Minnesota.

2. The Adjutant General is authorized to purchase, lease, or contract goods or services necessary to accomplish the mission.

3. The cost of subsistence, transportation, fuel, pay, and allowances of said individuals shall by defrayed from the general fund of the State, as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 2002, Sections 192.49, Subds. 1 and 2; 192.52, 192.54 and as otherwise permitted by law.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2002, Section 4.035, Subd. 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until such date as elements of the military forces of the State are no longer required.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 15th day of April, 2004.

TIM PAWLENTY

Governor