The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) is joining numerous other NRDs across the state in issuing a complete fire ban on all Wildlife Management Areas.
LPSNRD
LPSNRD encompasses Lincoln, most of Lancaster County, and portions of five other counties in southeast Nebraska. This decision comes in response to severe drought conditions that have significantly increased the risk of wildfires.
“We’ve had little to no precipitation in the last couple months and conditions are extremely dry,” said Jodi Delozier, LPSNRD environmental educator. “We’re just worried that individuals that are setting up fires, whether it be a campfire or any sort of open flame, that it might throw a spark and start a wildfire because everything is so tinder dry at this point.”
Effective immediately, all outdoor burning activities, including but not limited to campfires, bonfires, and cooking fires, are prohibited.
Additionally, Delozier says residents should avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation, don’t have any chains or metal dragging from vehicles, and ensure cars, trailers, and other equipment are well maintained. Properly dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects in appropriate containers. If you are going to be in a situation where there might be a flame, have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher on hand.
Keep up with local weather updates and stay in touch with the LPSNRD for any changes to this ban. If you see any signs of potential fire hazards or illegal burning, please report them to your local sheriff, the Lincoln Police Department, or local game warden — particularly if you’re out in one of our wildlife management areas or lakes.