Minnesota wildfires prompt closures, evacuation orders

Hot, dry and windy conditions have led to an explosion of wildfires in northern Minnesota and parts of southern Canada. 

Federal officials have issued a complete closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The wildfires are also prompting evacuations for residents within parts of the Superior National Forest. 

Gov. Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard in response to the wildfires. 

QUICK LINK: Live updates on wildfires burning in northern Minnesota