Humans to blame for 90% of wildfires in Nebraska, forest service says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska fires are increasing in size as the fire season lasts longer, officials say.

Last year was one of the most devastating fire seasons to date, with over 269,000 acres burnt in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Forest Service said humans played a big part in that.

Human error causes over 90% of the Nebraska’s wildfires.

“That’s about 10% higher than the national average,” forest service spokesman Ben Bohall said.

And with Labor Day and harvest time coming up, chains and hot machinery can be the first spark.

“As we move into fall, where things are inevitably going to dry up, we want folks to know about things like unmonitored debris, burns, prescribed burns that can jump the line and get out of control,” Bohall said. “That’s particularly important as people are going to be traveling.”

Under-inflated tires and dragging tow chains can be problematic during this period, too.

Right now, the priority for the Nebraska Forest Service is helping other states as we lay dormant, waiting on standby to be called back home.

“We’re seeing a lot of activity all around the United States right now,” Bohall said. “In Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, we have Nebraska Forest Service staff that are responding to those fires as we speak.”

But even with Nebraska “greening up” and significant rains lately, officials said things could change in a hurry.

“The bad part about that is as we move into fall and the harvest season, that’s kind of prime time for fire behavior,” Bohall said.

While fires can spread quickly with strong winds and dry conditions, experts want you to know that we are to blame for these wild flames.

So be cautious and mindful of weather conditions as fall approaches.