MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Authorizes Disaster Assistance for Four Counties Recovering From Wildfires and Severe Storms

ST. PAUL, MN (July 19, 2026) Minnesota has authorized state disaster assistance for four counties recovering from destructive wildfires and severe storms earlier this summer.

The assistance covers Lake and Crow Wing counties, where wildfires caused damage in May, and Stevens and Grant counties, which sustained damage during severe storms in June.

The total amount of assistance has not been determined. State and local emergency-management officials must complete damage assessments before final allocations can be calculated.

The authorization provides a path for communities to receive help with eligible recovery costs, including damage to public infrastructure and expenses associated with emergency response.

Separate From the Current July Wildfires

The assistance authorized Saturday concerns damage caused by the May fires and June storms. It is separate from the continuing July wildfire emergency in northern Minnesota, where the National Guard has been mobilized and evacuations have affected portions of Lake and St. Louis counties.

That distinction is important because Lake County is now confronting the consequences of multiple fire emergencies within a short period.

Governor Tim Walz said the earlier disasters caused significant losses across northern and western Minnesota and thanked emergency-management teams working with the counties to document damage and support recovery.

The state’s final contribution will depend on the completed assessments and the categories of expenses determined to be eligible for assistance.

Four Counties, Two Types of Disasters

Lake and Crow Wing counties experienced wildfire damage during May as dry conditions elevated fire danger across parts of northern and central Minnesota.

Stevens and Grant counties were affected by severe storms in June, producing another set of recovery demands in western Minnesota.

The assistance authorization allows the state to respond to those earlier disasters even as emergency crews continue confronting the larger July Lightning Event across northern Minnesota.

Further information about the amount awarded to each county is expected after the assessment process is complete.

Sources

• Office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
• FOX 9

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