Twenty-nine Minnesota firefighters along with nine fire trucks are headed to Salem, Oregon today. The crews and equipment will be used to help protect structures which are threatened by wildfires in Oregon. Governor Walz authorized the response on Monday, saying, “Wildfires continue to put our fellow Americans’ lives at risk while devastating homes, businesses, and communities. The Minnesota fire service is known for stepping up in critical situations, putting their lives on the line to save others. I am proud of the way they’ve answered this call to serve.”