Governor Jim Pillen has lifted Nebraska’s statewide burn ban, allowing local officials to resume issuing burn permits after recent improvements in fire and drought conditions. The ban had been put in place following several major wildfires that broke out March 12 in the Panhandle and west-central Nebraska and was later extended through April 10.
Despite the decision to rescind the ban, fire officials caution that wildfire risk has not completely disappeared. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team reported that warmer temperatures in the 70s and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour could still create elevated fire danger in parts of the state. Crews remain on alert in several communities, including Alliance, Ogallala, North Platte, Broken Bow, and Grand Island.
Progress continues on recent wildfire response efforts. The Ashby Fire in Grant County is now about 97 percent contained after burning more than 36,000 acres, while the nearby Minor Fire has been fully contained after destroying two homes in the Ashby area. The large Cottonwood Fire has also reached full containment after burning more than 129,000 acres, and staffing levels are expected to be adjusted as conditions improve and no new smoke has been detected.
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