A burn ban implemented by Governor Jim Pillen on May 9 will be allowed to expire at midnight. The order largely covered the central and western parts of the state. During that time, permits were allowed for irrigation districts to burn off vegetation in ditches.
The state has been dealing with dry, and at times, windy conditions since last month. A wildfire in Plum Creek burned for about a week, killing 45 head of cattle and destroying a cabin. The fire, which resulted when a prescribed burn got out of control, consumed more than 7,000 acres. At one point, state resources were brought in to assist local crews, at a cost of $600,000.
“Nebraska has received the benefit of significant rain in the past few weeks, especially in areas where it has been needed most,” Pillen says. “In consultation with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, I’m comfortable letting the ban lapse at this time.”
Once the order expires tonight, there will be no active burn bans across the state. But Pillen urges Nebraskans to use caution with any open fires and observe all recommended guidance for managing controlled burns going forward.