Governor Pillen Restricts Burn Permit Privileges Until March 27

COTTON WOOD FIRE - O'Neill and Area Departments have been busy fighting fires state wide in the last two weeks sending equipment and man power.

Governor Jim Pillen has issued a statewide burn ban, to help reduce the potential for additional wildfires in Nebraska. Dry and windy conditions have caused the spread of significant fires in the central and western parts of the state. Recently, Gov. Pillen issued an emergency proclamation activating the deployment of state resources to help combat fires, including the use of aircraft and personnel from the Nebraska National Guard.

The Governor's executive order prohibiting burning will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on March 27.  Included with this release is an update that has been provided by State Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein to all fire chiefs statewide.

A continuing period of dry weather statewide in conjunction with moderate to extreme drought conditions is endangering the health and safety of a significant number of Nebraska citizens as well as public and private property. The continuing period of dry weather, high winds, and drought conditions have combined to create a dangerous environment resulting in an elevated wildfire risk which may create problems greater in scope than local governments alone may resolve; and in accordance with statutory monitoring requirements, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, following a review of climatic, hydrologic, and water supply conditions, indicates the existence of a potential for drought-related emergencies in Nebraska; and therefore, under the provisions of Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-829.40, which confers emergency responsibilities and powers upon the Governor, I, Jim Pillen,  do hereby declare that a state of emergency exists within the state.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby suspend the authority vested in fire chiefs or designated fire department members to waive the open burning ban and suspend all previously issued bum permits due to an enhanced risk of wildfires until 11:59 p.m. on March 27, 2026, for the entire State of Nebraska.

Wildfires are still on active in the Western part of the state. The Cottonwood and Morrill Fires remain staffed with numerous resources who can respond to unforeseen issues that may arise as weather conditions once again become hotter, drier, and windier. The incident meteorologist anticipates strong and frequently shifting winds and temperatures 30–35 degrees above March averages this week.

The incident continues to support the State of Nebraska by redirecting some resources to assist local fire departments with initial fire-suppression efforts on new fires that may occur.

Cottonwood Fire: Fire behavior on the Cottonwood Fire Sunday was moderate, with active fire observed in pockets of previously scorched or unburned trees—primarily eastern redcedar—within the fire's interior. Some tree torching and short crown runs were also observed, but significantly less than on Saturday. There was no growth of the 265-mile-long perimeter Sunday. Approximately one hundred firefighters have been working on the northwestern side of the fire (Divisions A and D northwest and southeast of Jeffrey Reservoir) for several consecutive days, and they are steadily containing the fire within hand-constructed fireline. National Guard Black Hawk helicopters from Nebraska and Iowa remain on the incident. They assist the ground crews daily by dropping water on hotspots and flare-ups, cooling the flames enough to allow firefighters with hand tools to extinguish the flames even further.

Morrill Fire: Fire behavior on the Morrill Fire Sunday was minimal. Scattered vegetation and underground heat sources continue to smolder. However, crews patrolling and monitoring the fire perimeter reported observing very few hotspots generating smoke. In the uncontained portion of Division KK, a drone equipped with infrared sensors detected some scattered heat in the cottonwood groves of the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area. While fire managers feel the likelihood of the fire moving out of the cottonwood groves is low, they are not yet considering this area contained. Monday, engine crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire, which has a 400-mile-long perimeter.

(0) COMMENTS

Welcome to the discussion.