Walz activates National Guard assistance after Wadena fire kills 1, displaces 9
Gov. Tim Walz has issued an executive order to help Wadena residents who have been displaced by deadly apartment building fire earlier this week.
Executive Order 25-02 authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide temporary shelter for nine people displaced by the fire late Sunday night. A person was also found dead, according to the Wadena Fire Department.
On Wednesday, that person has been identified by the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office as 68-year-old David Henrichs, of Wadena.
Fire officials say the fire was first reported at 123 Bryant Avenue Southeast around 10:45 p.m. Weather elements — namely subzero temperatures and wind chills — created a challenging environment for firefighters, with extra responders brought in as four trucks and two ladders froze up.
Fire crews arrived to find heavy flames coming from a second-story window, officials said.
"My heart goes out to those enduring the devastation caused by the Wadena apartment fire and compounded by dangerously cold temperatures," said Walz. "As our neighbors recover, we will provide every resource necessary to ensure their safety. I am grateful to our first responders who are stepping up to provide necessary resources as the community recovers."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The executive order is effective immediately as of Tuesday and remains in effect until either National Guard resources are no longer needed or Feb. 25, whichever is earlier.
All residents who have been displaced were provided hotel rooms on Sunday and Monday night while planning continued, ahead of the governor's executive order announced on Tuesday.
The Wadena Fire Recovery Fund has been launched to help those impacted. As of Wednesday morning, it has raised over $1,000 of its $10,000 goal.
"The urgency to act is now, said Amy Gray, community philanthropy manager at the Initiative Foundation, which is partnering on the fundraiser.
"These people have been displaced from their homes and have nothing left. This will remain in the headlines for a short time, but the recovery for them will be long. We're committed to standing with the city of Wadena as they support these individuals."
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