Minnesota is sending 29 firefighters and nine fire trucks to Salem, Oregon to help protect structures threatened by wildfires across the state. Governor Tim Walz authorized the move following a request from Oregon state officials through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The two Minnesota task forces consist of crews from Brainerd, Fisher, Bemidji, Eden Prairie, Motley, Cross Lake, and the Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View fire departments. State Fire Marshal Jim Smith says the firefighters on the teams are specifically trained to protect lives and property during dangerous, stressful, and volatile situations. The teams will leave from Fergus Falls at 9 am today.