The following is the text of Executive Order 06-13 signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on Monday, September 18 authorizing the Minnesota National Guard assist and support wildfire suppression in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area:

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

WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota, along with federal, state and local governmental agencies, is assisting the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (“MIFC”) in responding to wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (“BWCA”); and

WHEREAS, because the fires are located near the “blow down” area created by the 1999 wind storm, the fires have the capability of becoming very large and/or threatening persons and property in the BWCA and surrounding areas; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the fires in the BWCA, extremely dry conditions have resulted in very high fire danger ratings in the Northern and Central portions of Minnesota and the fire risk in these areas is expected to remain very high in the near future; and

WHEREAS, additional resources are needed to assist state, federal and local agencies in fighting the BWCA fires and due to the high fire risk and dedication of resources to the BWCA fires, additional resources may be needed to prepare for and respond to any additional fires, should any occur, in the Northern and Central portions of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, the MIFC has requested fire suppression assets and personnel 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 15 September, 2006, 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 the BWCA and Northern and 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 2004, Sections 192.49; 192.52 and 192.54.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2004, 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.