24-04-2025
Nebraska Gov. Pillen issues statewide burn ban
LINCOLN, Neb. (KCAU) — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order on Wednesday to issue a statewide burn ban.
The governor said the persistent dry conditions continue to plague the state. The burn ban is set to last through April 30.
'It's way too dry in Nebraska right now, and it only takes one burn, one mistake and then you have a situation like we have in Plum Creek. The risks are too significant,' said Gov. Pillen.
Officials said the fire has now burned at least 6,600 acres, killed 45 cattle, and destroyed a cabin. The governor's office said other structures have been threatened by the Plum Creek Fire and were boxed in with heavy equipment to be protected from the flames.
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The cause of the fire have been credited to a permitted burn that got out of control.
Gov. Pillen said he authorized the Nebraska National Guard to mobilize 29 airmen and soldiers to help out volunteer fire departments in Brown County. Firefighters have been battling the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown since April 21.
The governor said he also allowed the Nebraska Army National Guard to use their aerial resources to assist in tackling the flames. The state's Army National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and a 16-member ground crew to help with fire suppression.
Authorities said the helicopters left for their mission on Wednesday morning and made 70 water drops throughout the day.
The governor's office said more than 60 partners on the local, state, and federal levels are responding to the Plum Creek Fire.
To read the full executive order on the statewide burn ban, see the picture below.
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