Latest news with #NebraskaEmergencyManagementAgency
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Plum Creek Fire now 100% contained, says Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Smoke plumes from the Plum Creek Fire in north-central Nebraska's Brown County in the immediate aftermath of the firefight that began April 21, 2025. (Courtesy of Ann Moylan Fiala, Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department) LINCOLN — The 'Plum Creek Fire' in north-central Nebraska is now 100% contained as of Wednesday morning, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency confirmed. The week-long firefight began near Johnstown in Brown County after a prescribed burn escaped containment on April 21, which a private landowner had led in coordination with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, local fire departments and other partners.. Last week, Gov. Jim Pillen initiated a statewide burn ban through the end of April. On Tuesday, he narrowed the ban to and extended it for central and western Nebraska through midnight on May 10. He also prohibited permitted burns in eastern Nebraska if there is an active red flag warning from the National Weather Service. Excutive Order Burn Permit Suspension Map (1) More than 7,000 acres were burned in the Plum Creek area that includes canyons, hills and water on the northern edge, which state officials said had complicated the disaster response. Over 50 different local fire departments, many volunteer-based, responded to the fire, as did the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, NEMA, State Fire Marshal's Office, Nebraska National Guard, Nebraska State Patrol, Game and Parks and Nebraska Forest Service. More than 45 cattle were killed, and the fire destroyed one cabin (a secondary residence) and at least eight utility poles. The fire and continued burn ban came amid severe drought conditions for much of the state. 'It's way too dry, and it doesn't make any sense,' Pillen told reporters last Wednesday. 'It only takes one burn, one mistake, and the one that took place … really, really made no sense.' He continued: 'We need Mother Nature to get on our side, and we need to get drenched. We need a tsunami. So if Nebraskans want to pray for a tsunami, I think we'd take that, right, or a drenching rain.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Nebraska to undergo statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning
LINCOLN, Neb. (KCAU) — Nebraska officials are issuing a statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it will take place at 10 a.m. CDT. At that time, the National Weather Service will conduct a drill through NOAA All Hazard Weather Radio. Nebraska communities may also sound off their sirens as part of the drill. The drill comes as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, where officials highlight the importance of preparedness for severe weather. NEMA Assistant Director Erv Portis said that some Nebraskans have already experienced dangerous fire weather this year, and should know what steps to take. Norfolk Public Schools accepts superintendent's resignation; search for interim superintendent to begin 'Preparing for severe weather is something we should actively do year-round,' Portis said. 'Don't wait until the siren sounds to start looking for your families' essential items.' 'Nebraskans have already faced dangerous fire weather this year,' he added. 'Make sure everyone in your home knows and understands what to do if you were asked to evacuate on short notice.' While tornado season in Siouxland peaks in June and July, tornadoes can strike at any time of the year. For more information on how to prepare for a tornado, click here. Every day this week, KCAU 9 is posting a story spotlighting a different aspect of severe weather. Maggie Warren contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
