Minnesota is sending a state employee to help northern California recover from its devastating wildfires.

Gov. Mark Dayton's office said Monday that he OK'd a Department of Public Safety specialist to help for 25 days, beginning Wednesday.

The request for help was made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, the nation's state-to-state mutual aid system. In this instance, it's providing support for people displaced by the fires. The specialist will help residents connect with the right resources, including shelter, unemployment and long-term recovery needs.

The massive wildfire that destroyed nearly 14,000 homes in the town of Paradise and surrounding communities was fully contained over the weekend after igniting more than two weeks ago. The U.S. government said it has distributed more than $20 million in assistance so far.

STAFF REPORT