First responders in Nebraska seek assistance in battling unprecedented wildfires – Hot

Nebraska’s first responders are requesting assistance to combat the devastating wildfires that have engulfed the state. These historic wildfires have stretched the resources of local firefighters and prompted the need for additional support. The fires have ravaged countless acres of land and threatened homes and communities. Firefighters are exhausted, battling the flames day and night with limited equipment and personnel. Authorities are urging neighboring states and federal agencies to provide firefighting aircraft, manpower, and equipment to aid in their efforts. The situation remains critical as more resources are needed to control the ongoing wildfires and protect affected areas..

First responders tell state lawmakers they’ve seen more wildfires over the past three years than ever before.And they need help with more resources, training and some reimbursement for volunteers. “People that have historically not seen these things are seeing them burn faster and hotter. And different,” said Nebraska State Fire Marshal Scott Cordes.He told the legislature’s Government and Military Affairs Committee Friday he believes the reason is because of a popular conservation farming practice coupled with the drought.”The ‘no-till’ practices that are happening in the agricultural community are creating connectors between heavy brush and timber here and heavy brush and timber here. And the spread of the fire. Because of best practices that were designed for good, practical, important reasons, have a counter effect in the fire world,” Cordes said. But those wildfires are becoming more costly and exhausting, according to those on the frontlines.”We experience large wildfires often, but nothing like we have in the past three years,” Gering Volunteer Fire Chief Nathan Cordes said.Flowers said a fire last year took more than a month to get under control.”That’s 38 days where volunteer firefighters left their employees and their families. The national trend of a decline in volunteerism has also affected our fire departments in Nebraska and have become more challenging to manage wildfires that extend multiple days,” Flowers said.And wildfires also torched acres in the eastern part of Nebraska. “This has truly become a statewide issue, and a statewide response is needed,” State Sen. Mike McDonnell said.McDonnell called for the interim hearing following Gov Jim Pillen’s First Responders Summit in Broken Bow in August.They are looking at ways to address the concerns, including a statewide system of mutual aid to backfill departments and even reimburse volunteers.”Firefighters either take vacation comp time or leave from work without pay to fight these fires across the state of Nebraska. When battling a fire for their state, many neighbor states implement programs to assist those volunteers financially,” Flower said.Responders also said there needs to be more funds available for training; build on current local, state and federal partnerships and upgrade the communications system.”Communication infrastructure is very poor in our state. We have a lot of dead spots, a lot of places where radio, as well as cell service, just isn’t there,” Holbrook Volunteer Fire Chief Wes Hock said.Another concern is many rural departments cannot afford to buy the proper gear to fight wildfires.”It costs well over $1,000 to outfit one firefighter with wildfire fire gear. Structural gear’s too hot. It’s too heavy to be out fighting wildfires,” John Erixson of the Nebraska Forest Service said. In 2022, three firefighters lost their lives responding to wildfires.”We’ll never forget Mike Moody of Purdum. Chief Darren Krull of Elwood retired Chief John Trumble of Arapaho,” Flowers said. McDonnell said he’ll continue to work with first responders, the forestry service and state agencies to craft a bill, which he plans to present to lawmakers in January.”Statistics just don’t lie. I mean, it’s obviously getting worse,” Cordes said.Get the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

First responders in Nebraska have seen a significant increase in wildfires over the past three years and are seeking more resources, training, and reimbursement for volunteers. The state fire marshal attributes the rise in fires to the combination of a popular conservation farming practice and drought conditions. The wildfires are becoming more costly and exhausting for responders, and there is a decline in volunteerism. State lawmakers are considering a statewide system of mutual aid and financial assistance for volunteers. Additionally, responders are calling for more funding for training, improved communication infrastructure, and affordable gear for rural fire departments. Three firefighters have lost their lives in wildfires this year.

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