Governor Lifts Burn Ban for Eastern Nebraska

The statewide burn ban Governor Jim Pillen issued last week has been allowed to expire for eastern Nebraska. However, a new executive order issued on Tuesday of this week stipulates that central and western Nebraska remain under a burn ban. Conditions in that part of the state are still very dry. Burning is prohibited through midnight May 10 due to the potential wildfire risk. The new order, effective Tuesday, April 29, specifies the border where burning is still not permitted. The line runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border. It should be noted that counties may be split when it comes to areas where burning is still prohibited.Burning outside of that area is permitted, except when a red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service and for the duration of the warning. Meanwhile, Nebraska Emergency management has announced that the Plum Creek Wildfire in the Nebraska Sandhills, which led to the burn ban, is now 100 percent contained. Nebraska Game and Parks is extending a temporary ban on campfires at Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas in central and western Nebraska through May 10, aligning with the governor's executive order. “Public safety is a top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we will continue enforcing the temporary campfire ban in the restricted zone laid out by the executive order,” said Jeff Fields, parks division administrator at Game and Parks. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, as we know campfires are an integral part of the camping experience. We eagerly look forward to more precipitation and safer conditions.” Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and all visitors should practice fire safety. Campfires and other sources of open fire, such as wood-fueled firepits, wood-burning stoves and charcoal grills, will be allowed, subject to local fire authorities, at the following state parks in eastern Nebraska: Alexandria State Recreation AreaArbor Lodge State Historical ParkBlue River SRABluestem SRABranched Oak SRAConestoga Lake SRADanish Alps SRADead Timber SRAEugene T. Mahoney State ParkFort Atkinson SHPFremont Lakes SRALouisville SRAIndian Cave SPMemphis Lake SRAMormon Island SRAOlive Creek SRAPawnee Lake SRAPelican Point SRAPlatte River SPPonca SPRiverview SRARock Creek Station SRA and SHPRockford Lake SRASchramm Park SRAStagecoach Lake SRASummit Lake SRATwo Rivers SRAVerdon SRAWagon Train SRA

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