Minnesota firefighters deployed to assist Louisiana communities recover from Hurricane Ida

(ABC 6 News) – 22 Minnesota firefighters from nine fire departments are traveling to Louisiana to assist local first responders as local communities continue to recover from Hurricane Ida.

Governor Walz authorized the 18-day mission following a request from Louisiana officials through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

“When disaster hits, Minnesotans have always stepped up to help out their neighbors,” said Governor Walz. “Hurricane Ida has devastated homes, businesses, and communities in Louisiana. I am proud that Minnesota firefighters have answered the call to aid Louisiana in their efforts to keep people safe after the storm.”

Firefighters from Eden Prairie, Plymouth, the West Metro Fire District, the Centennial Fire District, the Spring Lake Park Blaine Mounds View (SBM) Fire District, Red Wing, Chaska, Brainerd, and Crosslake will provide fire protection for 18 days while local firefighters get rest and tend to their own damaged homes.

This is the second time this year Minnesota has responded to an EMAC request. EMAC is a mutual aid agreement between all 50 states. A requesting state asks for resources based on their needs and while any state can respond, there is no obligation to participate. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division coordinates the state’s EMAC requests.

Additional information about EMAC is available here.