Area Wildfires Over The Past Several Weeks Prompt Multiple Actions By Governor Pillen

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen meeting with firefighers, ranchers, and others while visiting the Valentine area. The visit was prompted by the Anderson Bridge Fire.

Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska has signed two new executive orders this week.  EO 20-08 is an extension of a previous burn ban and continues the timeframe by which fire chiefs or their designated members are prohibited from issuing permits for open burning anywhere in the state. This order is effective March 28 and continues through April 10.

EO 26-09 Waives hours of service restrictions and adjusts maximum load width/weight limits allowed for commercial motor carriers operating within the state and are delivering feed and other supplies under the ongoing wildfire emergency, effective March 28.

Governor Jim Pillen issued a state of emergency on March 13^th in counties associated with the Morrill, Cottonwood, and Anderson Bridge fires.  The proclamation directs the state Adjutant General (who also serves as the State Disaster Coordinator) to activate the appropriate emergency plans and to take the steps that he finds necessary to provide aid to the area until the threat from these wildfires ceases or have been alleviated.  The governor further requests that state and appropriate federal agencies cooperate with the State of Nebraska to support these actions.