Nebraska has faced some terrible fires over the past couple of weeks, caused by 70 mile per hour winds, record-breaking high temperatures, and lack of rainfall. Through mid-March, more than 827,000 acres have burned in Nebraska which has eclipsed 2012’s record of over 503,000 acres. This fire, started on March 12th, burning over 643,000 acres in Nebraska’s panhandle counties of Garden, Arthur and Keith, surpassed 2012’s statewide record for the entire year. The fire was caused by electrical infrastructure that failed during extreme wind conditions. Experts are warning that fire danger will remain high in the area because of the dry windy conditions that are continuing dryout vegetation , while no precipitation is being forecast.
A friend who grew up in Garden County related to me that ranchers in the area have lost some cattle, but it is also important, that fences, livestock facilities and stored feed have been destroyed. She points out that the ranches in the area are privately owned, and that destroyed fences are not covered by most farm insurance policies, so ranchers have lost the ability to contain their herds, while pasture forages have been severely damaged by the fires. One rancher related that they were able to save some cattle by herding them into a field that had a pivot irrigation sprinkler system, that they turned on, and the water kept the cattle drenched and safe as the fire swept past.
There are a number of organizations that are providing help for Nebraska ranchers, farmers and and other victims of fires that are impacting far. A list of some of these organizations is at the Farm News & Views Blog Post at KSJD.org.
According to U.S. Weather Service data, over 51% of the U.S. is experiencing drought as of late February of this year, with warm temperatures accelerating the drying of vegetation and other fuels. As a result, these conditions are raising wildfire concerns across the western U.S., particularly in the Four Corners region, due to a low snowpack and an extended drought in Southwest Colorado, and in New Mexico, Utah and Arizona and parts of the Plains states, while areas of the High Plains & Northern Rockies states of Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska are experiencing expanding drought and below-average snowfall, adding to the risk of early spring fires in those states.
I’ve noticed that since wildfires are affecting agricultural producers in the Great Plains states, farm publications are offering recommendations that all of us who live in rural areas should follow, since we’re facing dry weather this spring in the Four Corners Region too, and a wind driven fire in a dry pasture can be a as dangerous as a forest fire would be to our homes and outbuildings. The Colorado Forest Service Fire safety for Colorado farmers and rural residents publication, recommends that every home should have an emergency evacuation plan in case of a fire. It also suggests that homes should have 100+ feet of defensible space around structures,using a three-zone system, that ensures at least 30 to 100 feet of managed vegetation around structures, removal of ladder fuels, and using non-combustible materials that will keep homes and buildings safe from fires that might spread from adjoining properties. A link to The Colorado Forest Service Fire safety for Colorado farmers and rural residents publication is at the Farm News & Views Blog Post at KSJD.org.
Mother Theresa wrote, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.
Colorado Protect Your Home & Property from Wildfire
Fire safety for Colorado rural residents requires establishing defensible space through a three-zone system, ensuring at least 30–100 feet of managed vegetation around structures, removing ladder fuels, and using non-combustible materials.
Organizations that are helping Nebraska ranchers.
Nebraska Department of Agriculture. If you have hay, feed, fencing materials, equipment and household supplies to donate — or need of such items due to the fires — contact NDA at 800-831-0550. Be prepared to share your name, contact information, and what you have to donate or what resources you might need, along with your location.
Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund. This fund is actively accepting monetary donations to be distributed to producers who are being impacted by wildfires. Visit nebraskacattlemen.org.
Call these organizations to offer monetary support to victims of the fires:
- Oregon Trail Community Foundation at 308-635-3393
- Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief at 308-778-6562
- Gordon Livestock Market at 605-441-8544
- Western Fire Relief Fund United Way at 308-635-2522
- St. John’s Lutheran Church, Curtis, at308-367-4238
- Flatwater Bank, Ricketson, at 308-537-7181
- American Red Cross at redcross.org
- Nebraska-based Salvation Army, Western Division, at salvationarmyusa.org
