Minneapolis Fire Chief Fruetel LIVE on
@WCCO right now. https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/live/cbsn-minnesota/

Minneapolis Fire Chief Fruetel said it is too unsafe to get in to certain areas to establish perimeters. National Guards will escort fire fighters. "Maybe the size of an intersection" (for a perimeter).

(paraphrased) If the Guard was called on at 4 in the afternoon... and it is 12:20... when do you make the "try" again, asked @frankieVWCCO. Chief Fruetel says he asked for an update from the Guard a half an hour ago. Didn't get a response.

Chief Fruetel said about 35 Guardsmen and 1 task force of police officers are helping the Fire Chief.
@frankieVWCCO asked who makes the call to go in (Mayor? Guard? Governor?) Chief says it is his call.

"Is 34 Guardsman enough?" asks @frankieVWCCO, as he points out there may be hundreds if not thousands of protesters. Chief said he would make the call if he feels comfortable. But won't say what that might mean.

Chief Fruetel said he spoke to Saint Paul an hour and a half ago about potential help, "but they are facing safety (issues), rocks, projectiles, etc."

@frankieVWCCO is trying to figure out how/why he only has 34 Guardsmen assigned to him, and what they are actually doing.

Chief Fruetel "If you see something, call." when asked by @frankieVWCCO what message he can help deliver.

"Burning our city is not the way to do it."

"Minneapolis Fire Department is there."

I guess it is really easy to throw stones when I am not in the situation... but I am not impressed with how Chief Fruetel handled the @frankieVWCCO and @WCCOAmelia interview. I thought their questions were pretty straight forward, trying to figure out why action isn't happening.

I am very curious to know where and how the Guard is being deployed. With massive fires taking place, and the Guard being activated earlier... what is the role of the Guard? Does Chief Fruetel have the authority to direct the 34 to move... he SORT OF said yes... but then didn't