Celebrating Safely: Fireworks 101
Every Independence Day as we celebrate the birth of America, many first responders across the US are on high alert, responding to the careless use of fireworks. We may think of these situations as minor, but even in Nebraska, there are more than 100 reported injuries because of fireworks-related accidents each year.
Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)
A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) gathers together your community's resources to enhance wildfire mitigation and preparedness. The written document identifies the steps a community will take to reduce its risk of damage from wildfires. About the photo: Duane Witte shot this photograph in Valentine, NE as the Big Rock Fire crept into the city limits.
Nebraska Wildfire Control Act
The Wildfire Control Act (WCA) was passed in 2013 in response to massive and highly destructive fires in the state. The WCA has dramatically increased the capacity of the state to reduce risk to life and property while enhancing the management and suppression efforts of wildfires.
Nebraska's Single Engine Air Tanker
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.
Preventing fires on your farm or ranch
Farm and ranch families have always been concerned with fire. America’s rural residents are 1/4 of the nation’s population living on 98 percent of the land, Rural residents must give fire prevention first priority in protecting their homes, families, and businesses from fire.
Red Flag Warnings: Critical Fire Weather Conditions
A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when weather conditions exist for destructive or rapidly spreading fires. In many cases, fire departments rely on these warnings to make sure firefighters and resources are readily available if a fire were to break out. If you are living in the area where a warning is issued, please use extreme caution or avoid activities that could ignite a wildfire (e.g. discarding cigarettes butts, operating equipment in grassy areas, and open burning of any kind).
Reporting Wildfires
Reporting wildfire activity is an increasingly vital tool that supports many of Nebraska's core volunteer fire department programs, such as the Volunteer Fire Assistance, Federal Excess Personal Property & Firefighter Property, and State Volunteer Fire Assistance programs. This page is meant to serve as a reference guide on how to report wildfires for your department.
Rural Homes and Wildfire
For many, a rural home has become a dream come true. However, homes are often built for aesthetic values and economic considerations. In many cases, little regard is given to fire protection.
Yellowbook
This publication has been developed by the Wildland Fire Protection Program of the Nebraska Forest Service, as 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. It is divided into four sections.