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Cook County board consents to declaration of local emergency as wildfires burn nearby
Summary
The Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously consented to a declaration of local emergency tied to wildfires that began July 6, enabling the county to seek state disaster assistance under Minnesota Chapter 12 and authorizing related recovery actions.
Commissioner Storley, chair of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, said the board unanimously consented Tuesday to a declaration of local emergency for wildfires that began July 6 and threatened areas near the county.
County Administrator Bridal told the board that Chair Storley signed the declaration on July 18 and that it "allows the county officials to request state public emergency and disaster assistance in accordance with local, state, and federal law including without limitation Minnesota Chapter 12" and to seek reimbursement for eligible wildfire response and recovery activities. She clarified that the signed paper is a declaration, not a resolution, and that a declaration cannot be continued beyond three days without Board consent.
Commissioner Gamble moved to consent to the declaration; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Gamble then moved a separate resolution supporting the chair's action; that resolution also passed unanimously.
The declaration gives county officials the authority to pursue state assistance and reimbursement while the county coordinates response and recovery efforts. Administrator Bridal said the Board will revisit any extension of the declaration as required under law.
