LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued an emergency declaration and imposed a statewide burn ban Wednesday in response to escalating drought conditions and an out-of-control wildfire in north-central Nebraska.
The Plum Creek Fire, which began Monday as a permitted controlled burn by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, had scorched 6,631 acres, destroyed a cabin, killed 45 cattle, and leveled eight utility poles by Wednesday afternoon. The fire remained 0% contained, with officials citing “very challenging topography” as a significant barrier to firefighting efforts.
“It’s way too dry, and it doesn’t make any sense,” Pillen said during a press conference at the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters. “It only takes one burn, one mistake, and the one that took place yesterday really, really made no sense.”
More than 50 local volunteer fire departments, along with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nebraska National Guard, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and other agencies, have been deployed to battle the blaze. The Nebraska National Guard has dropped approximately 50,000 gallons of water and 16,000 gallons of retardant on the fire using UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
John Erixson, director of the Nebraska Forest Service, said the fire is part of a broader and unusual wildfire season, worsened by a dry winter and lack of soil moisture. “It just takes one little spark from any source to take off,” Erixson said.
Calling for caution and cooperation, Pillen urged Nebraskans to avoid any activity that could spark a fire. “We need Mother Nature to get on our side, and we need to get drenched,” he said. “If Nebraskans want to pray for a tsunami, I think we’d take that — or a drenching rain.”
Col. Shane Varejcka of the Nebraska National Guard said communities like Ainsworth and Valentine are helping support the 29 service members assigned to the operation.
Officials said updates will continue to be issued by NEMA and local emergency agencies as the situation develops. The burn ban will remain in effect through April.