Fire departments say ‘one spark’ could start a grass fire in Lancaster County

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Fire departments in Lancaster County say with warm temps and high winds this Sunday, the potential for grass fires is high.

Captain Luke Renken with Eagle Fire & Rescue said the lack of moisture has also created dry conditions, “and it’s not getting any better.”

He said Cass and Otoe counties have issued a red flag warning, meaning weather conditions have created an increased risk of fire.

So doing any burning in rural areas is dangerous.

“Or even firing your grills up or smokers,” Renken said. “If we get one spark, it’s so hard to control it right now.”

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He said humidity could be as low as 13% on Sunday, with winds up to 25 mph.

“Once you got low humidity, it takes off,” he said. “There’s really nothing you can do about it. And for us to catch it, it takes everything we’ve got plus all our mutual aid partners.”

Lincoln Fire & Rescue also says to be cautious lighting any type of ignition sources outdoors, even in the city.

There are currently no burn permits being given out in Lancaster County.

“Until we get that rain, we’re pretty much stuck,” Renken said.