ST. PAUL-Gov. Mark Dayton authorized two Minnesota firefighters to assist in emergency management efforts on the Hawaii Islands in response to ongoing volcanic activity.
Volcanic eruptions have destroyed property, damaged public infrastructure, and endangered Hawaiian communities. Dayton approved this request for assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, to provide additional relief for ongoing 24-hour coverage of the natural disaster at Hawaii County's Forward Operating Base.
The two Minnesotans authorized to assist in Hawaii's emergency response efforts are senior Department of Natural Resources firefighters. They will serve as division group supervisors in the emergency relief efforts, overseeing daily response operations. Both firefighters have completed the required training in their respective disciplines, and have experience in numerous local, state and national service deployments.
"The DNR is pleased to offer the assistance of two of our experienced firefighters to the citizens of Hawaii during a time of their need," said Minnesota DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. "Minnesota has benefited in the past from assistance from the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, so we are always happy to reciprocate."
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is a mutual aid agreement between all 50 states. Under the compact, a state in need of emergency assistance may request resources (people, equipment, etc.) from other states based on their needs. Agencies in other states with available resources are able to respond to a request, but there is no obligation to participate. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division coordinates the state's Emergency Management Assistance Compact requests.
