Governor Jim Pillen has declared a state of emergency for several Nebraska counties as multiple wildfires continue to threaten communities and property across the state.
The emergency declaration applies to Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith, Lincoln, Dawson, and Frontier counties, where ongoing fires have been fueled by high winds, low humidity, and extremely dry conditions.
In announcing the proclamation, Pillen said the move will help mobilize state resources to assist local firefighting efforts.
“Today, I declared a state of emergency within Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith, Lincoln, Dawson, and Frontier Counties to help combat wildfires,” Pillen said.
The proclamation authorizes the Nebraska Adjutant General, who also serves as State Disaster Coordinator, to activate state emergency plans and take necessary steps to protect lives and property.
“This proclamation allows the Nebraska Adjutant General, who also serves as State Disaster Coordinator, to activate appropriate State emergency plans and take such steps as he deems necessary to meet this emergency and protect life and property in this state,” Pillen said.
Several additional response measures have also been ordered as part of the state’s wildfire response. Those actions include deploying Nebraska Department of Transportation road graders to help create fire breaks and ordering Nebraska National Guard troops to assist local firefighters.
National Guard helicopters have also been deployed to support aerial firefighting operations, while a state-led Complex Incident Management Team has been activated to coordinate the overall response.
According to the governor’s proclamation, the fires began around March 12 and have affected multiple areas across the state. Officials say the blazes have damaged or threatened both public and private property and have created challenges beyond what local governments can handle alone.
The state of emergency declaration also authorizes the use of state government and emergency management resources, including funding from the Governor’s Emergency Fund, to support firefighting and response efforts.
Emergency officials continue to urge residents in affected areas to stay alert to changing fire conditions and follow guidance from local authorities.