ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today authorized two new Minnesota wildland firefighters to assist in emergency management efforts on the Hawaii Islands in response to ongoing volcanic activity. Volcanic eruptions have destroyed property, damaged public infrastructure, and endangered Hawaii communities. Governor Dayton approved this request for assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), to provide additional relief for ongoing 24-hour coverage of the natural disaster at Hawaii County’s Forward Operating Base.

 

The two Minnesotans authorized to assist in Hawaii’s emergency response efforts are senior Department of Natural Resources wildland firefighters. They will replace the two current Minnesota firefighters who are already serving as division group supervisors in the emergency relief efforts, and oversee daily response operations. Like their predecessors, both wildland firefighters have completed the required training in their respective disciplines, and have experience in numerous local, state, and national service deployments. They will assist in emergency response efforts for a total of 14 days, beginning Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

 

“The DNR is pleased to offer the assistance of two of our experienced firefighters to the citizens of Hawaii during a time of their need,” said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “Minnesota has benefitted in the past from assistance from the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, so we are always happy to reciprocate.”

 

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is a mutual aid agreement between all 50 states. Under the Compact, a state in need of emergency assistance may request resources (people, equipment, etc.) from other states based on their needs. Agencies in other states with available resources are able to respond to a request, but there is no obligation to participate. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division coordinates the state’s EMAC requests. To learn more about the EMAC process, CLICK HERE.