Ricketts introduces the PREPARE Act which establish precautions to wildfires

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Sen. Pete Ricketts announced the introduction of the Pilot for Regional Emergency Prepositioning of Aerial Resources and Equipment (PREPARE) Act.

The goal of the bill is to establish prepositioned aerial resources during early-season conditions to increase preparedness and improve firefighting response efforts.

“When it comes to wildfires, response time matters,” said Ricketts. “We must do more to protect our communities, ranches, and farms. Nebraska experienced devastating losses due to historic wildfires this year. This legislation would ensure aerial firefighting resources are ready to respond before fire strikes. It would limit response time and prevent damages to our farms, livestock, and communities. I will continue to fight to protect Nebraskans.”

The PREPARE Act would establish a new pilot program that will be directed at improving wildfire management response efforts. The program would apply to five states, including Nebraska.

The Nebraska Forest Service endorsed the legislation because of the devastating Nebraska wildfires in recent history.

“Over the past several years, Nebraska has experienced some of the most challenging wildfire seasons in recent history,” said John Erixson, Nebraska State Forester. “Early-season grassfires, prolonged drought, and extreme fire weather have demonstrated that wildfires no longer respect traditional fire seasons. The PREPARE Act recognizes this reality by helping ensure aerial firefighting resources can be strategically positioned where they are needed most before conditions become critical. Investing in preparedness is one of the most effective ways to protect lives, communities, working lands, and natural resources.”