Fire Aviation

Airplane drops fire retardant on a 2012 fire in the Niobrara Valley

The Wildfire Control Act of 2013 enabled the establishment of Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) bases in Nebraska. SEAT bases are staffed by Nebraska Forest Service during the fire season, primarily working with a SEAT on contract to Nebraska through our partners at the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

Permanent SEAT bases are established in: 

  • Alliance - Municipal Airport
  • Chadron - Municipal Airport
  • McCook - Ben Nelson Regional Airport
  • Scottsbluff - Western Nebraska Regional Airport
  • Valentine - Miller Field

In addition, a mobile SEAT base to support operations at airports without a permanent base was completed and a second mobile base is planned.

Yellowbook

This publication is a description of aviation suppression resources available to the rural fire districts and the fire departments in the State of Nebraska for the control and suppression of wildfires. It can be used as a “quick reference” source for those resources available statewide.

Download Yellowbook

Aerial Applicator Information

There are 22 aerial applicator companies, with 45 airplanes, who have agreed to cooperate with the NFS, in aerial fire suppression. Additionally, there are 20 locations around the state where firefighting foam is stored specifically for use in the aerial suppression of wildfires.

Applicator Sign-up