In recent days, Nebraska has seen an alarming increase in wildfires—more than two dozen wildfires reported in just the past five days.
The ongoing efforts to contain these blazes serve as a stark reminder of the growing challenges Nebraska faces in fire safety. While many of these fires are fueled by a combination of significant winds, unseasonably warm temperatures, and low humidity, there’s a deeper issue that demands our immediate attention: the risks posed by pile burning.
Pile burning, a common land management practice, is essential for reducing excess vegetation and mitigating the fuel load that contributes to larger, more destructive fires. However, when this controlled burn goes awry, the consequences can be catastrophic, producing full-scale wildfires, especially under the dry and windy conditions we’ve seen in the past week.
This year, Nebraska has experienced an unusually harsh winter with minimal snowfall and a very low snow-water equivalent. The reduced snowpack means there is less moisture in the soil, leaving behind dry conditions that exacerbate the wildfire risk. Combined with high winds, these dry conditions are creating the perfect storm for wildfire danger.
When materials such as tree limbs, brush, and debris are deliberately set alight, the risk of these fires spreading is low if properly monitored. However, we’ve seen instances in recent days where smoldering pile burns reignited during periods of extreme weather, spreading beyond their intended boundaries and igniting new, dangerous wildfires.
Perhaps even more concerning is the potential for what’s called “holdover heat” from these pile burns—where fires that seem to be out can reignite days or even weeks later. Holdover often remain undetected for extended periods, only to flare up when conditions are right, causing devastating consequences. This type of fire has contributed to the current wave of wildfires across Nebraska, posing a significant threat to public safety and the environment.
The threat is compounded by reports that two brave volunteer firefighters were injured in a rollover accident while responding to these fires. Our first responders, often risking their lives to protect our land and its people, continue to face grave danger while working tirelessly to suppress fires.
Nebraska has long experienced wildfires, but the frequency and intensity of these events are escalating. From 2022 to 2024, more than 100,000 acres were burned by wildfires each year, marking the third consecutive year of large fire seasons in the state. Early estimates for 2025 suggest that Nebraska will face an even larger fire season.
So, what can we do to mitigate this risk moving forward?
• Anyone engaged in pile burning must exercise extreme caution in the coming weeks. It is absolutely critical that burn piles be thoroughly checked for days and even weeks after the fire seems to have gone out.
• Before beginning any controlled burns, it is essential to monitor weather conditions carefully. Avoid burning on days with high winds, low humidity, or unseasonably warm temperatures — conditions that increase the risk of fire spread. Ensure all burns are fully extinguished and consider postponing burning until conditions are more favorable.
• Continue to support our wildfire response—volunteer firefighters who are already stretched thin in these dangerous conditions. Their safety and well-being must be a priority, as they continue to risk their lives for the safety of others. Nebraska is home to a selfless community of individuals who put everything on the line to protect the land and people, and we must ensure they have the resources and support they need. Effective coordination among all wildfire response entities is crucial, drawing on the mutually supportive community spirit rural Nebraska so often demonstrates.
• Recognize the broader environmental implications of these fires. Wildfires threaten lives, livestock, property and communities, and also take a devastating toll on our ecosystems. Nebraska’s forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats are particularly vulnerable, and the growing frequency of fires threatens biodiversity, water quality and soil health.
In Nebraska, neighbors rally for one another, not just in times of crisis but in everyday life. When disaster strikes, communities come together to protect what matters most, offering support, resilience, and strength. The same is true of Nebraska’s institutions—our university, state and federal agencies, commodity groups, and local organizations collaborate to respond to the needs of both communities and ecosystems during emergencies and times of stability.
Remember: It only takes one spark to ignite a catastrophic blaze. Be cautious, be responsible, and always check your burns thoroughly. Let’s work together to prevent further destruction, protect our communities, and support our firefighters in the days and weeks ahead.
