Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Emergency Executive Order 09-08 to provide for fire suppression assistance to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. On Monday, April 6, a wild grassfire was burning in and around the Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge, west of Forest Lake. The Governor’s Emergency Executive Order provides personnel and equipment assistance for air wild grassfire suppression from the Minnesota National Guard.

The following is the text of the Governor’s emergency executive order:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 09-08

PROVIDING FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION ASSISTANCE TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

WHEREAS, several hundred acres have already burned and about 10 homes have been evacuated; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not have adequate aviation resources for wildfire suppression; and

WHEREAS, the DNR has requested air wild grassfire suppression assets 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 6, 2009 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 air wild grassfire suppression in and around the Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge.

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 2008, Sections 192.49, 192.52 and 192.54.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2008, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Emergency Executive Order shall be effective retroactively to April 6, 2009, and will remain in effect until the conclusion of the emergency.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 7th day of April, 2009.