Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Emergency Executive Order 09-09 to provide for air fire suppression assistance to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The fire danger has increased in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Wright, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, and Washington counties. A Red Flag warning is in effect for much of the state due to dry conditions and high winds. The Governor’s Emergency Executive Order calls for two National Guard helicopters to aid in fire suppression efforts, one of which has been dispatched to a grass fire near Lindstrom.
The following is the text of the Governor’s emergency executive order:
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 09-09
PROVIDING FOR 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, by May 20, 2009, the fire danger in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Wright, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, and Washington Counties of Minnesota has escalated to very high to extreme fire danger rating; and
WHEREAS, continued dry conditions with high winds have put much of Minnesota into a Red Flag warning category; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC) do not have adequate local resources for providing air wildfire suppression; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has requested two helicopters for air fire suppression missions from the Minnesota National Guard;
NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:
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The Adjutant General of Minnesota order to state active duty on or about May 20, 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 wildfire suppression in Northwestern Minnesota.
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The Adjutant General is authorized to purchase, lease or contract goods or services necessary to accomplish the mission.
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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 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 20th day of May, 2009.
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