US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations 2

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

Canada: Grass Fire Tears Through Transcona Industrial Area

A large grass fire broke out in a large industrial area in north Transcona, a suburb of Winnipeg, on Monday afternoon, May 12, prompting the evacuation of some commercial properties. The fire spread quickly due to the windy conditions and damaged multiple buildings. The fire was contained a few hours later.

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Briefing Wildfire

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak during a press briefing at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes key officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Biden Wildfire Response

Biden Wildfire Response

President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and on video screen Governor Gavin Newson (D-CA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, convenes officials for a briefing on the federal response to the wildfires in Los Angeles in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday January 10, 2025. The National Preparedness Level was raised to prioritize additional suppression resources, including wildland fire crews and other personnel, engines, helicopters, airtankers and other aircraft, and other specialized heavy equipment. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Various Senate Committee Hearings - Washington

Various Senate Committee Hearings - Washington

Jeff Rupert, Director, Office of Wildland Fire, U.S. Department of the Interior, appears before a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing to examine the federal response to escalating wildfires and to evaluate reforms to land management and wildland firefighter recruitment and retention, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Photo by Rod Lamkey/CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM