Gov. Pillen orders burn ban in portions of Nebraska at high risk for wildfires

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A statewide open fire ban has been ordered by Nebraska’s governor in light of recent weather conditions.

Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order Thursday declaring a state of emergency in Nebraska, as multiple wildfires have been breaking out.

The order will suspend the ability for local fire chiefs to issue burn permits in portions of the state with a high risk for fires through midnight Sunday.

SEE ALSO: Grass fire causes mandatory evacuation of eastern Nebraska school

Pillen said that dry weather and drought conditions have created the right environment for wildfires and that any future fires could create problems too large for local governments to address.

The decision was made in tandem with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency after a review of the state’s climate and water supply.

SEE ALSO: Rural fire departments faced strong winds while battling grass fire north of Lincoln