Disasters

Wisconsin officials release names of 7 Virginia residents killed in crash that claimed 9 lives
Authorities have released the names of seven Virginia residents who were killed when the van they were in collided with a semi-trailer in western Wisconsin, leaving a 2-year-old as the only survivor. 
State investigators back at site of Lutsen Resort fire this week
State fire investigators will be back at Lutsen Resort along Minnesota’s North Shore this week as they continue working to determine the cause of the massive fire that destroyed the resort’s main lodge last month.
Xcel Energy says its facilities appeared to have role in igniting Texas wildfire
The utility provider Xcel Energy says its facilities appeared to have played a role in igniting a massive wildfire in the Texas Panhandle that grew to the largest blaze in state history. The provider made the statement in a news release Thursday.
Wildfires burn thousands of acres in southern, western Minnesota
Wildfires in southern and western Minnesota left at least three people injured and burned more than 3,000 acres Sunday amid warm weather, gusty winds and low humidity.
Minnesota braces for potentially severe wildfire season
More than 50 wildfires have already been reported in Minnesota this year. It is an early indication of what could become an especially active spring fire season after a historically warm and dry winter.
Camp Nenookaasi fire under investigation, Minneapolis fire officials say
Two people were treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation at the encampment of unsheltered people, but no serious injuries or deaths were reported. The two-alarm fire burned quickly through tents and yurts.
A wildfire scorching the Texas Panhandle has grown to the largest in state history
A wildfire spreading across the Texas Panhandle has become the largest in state history. Authorities say the Smokehouse Creek fire grew Thursday to nearly 1,700 square miles of scorched rural ranchlands and destroyed homes.