Senator Ricketts Weekly Column "Recovering From Nebraska Wildfires"

Ricketts Discusses Recent Wildfires in Nebraska in his weekly column

The wildfires across Western Nebraska are the worst since we became a state. They

are the ninth-worst in all of American history. They have burned over 900,000

acres. Hundreds evacuated and one Nebraskan was tragically killed. We pray for her

family. Over 30,000 cattle are displaced. But when we face disaster, Nebraskans

stick together. We will rebuild together. We will use all tools available. We

will get through this.

I have gone out to Ogallala twice to support local residents. First, with Governor

Pillen, and second, with local, state, and federal officials. That included Brooke

Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture. I met with community members who manned fire

lines themselves. I spoke with farmers and ranchers who have lost so much. The

damage is devastating.

Thank you to our volunteer and federal firefighters, crews from Omaha and Lincoln,

National Guard, community volunteers, and everyone lending a hand to help with the

wildfires over the course of the last couple of weeks. Over 100 agencies and fire

departments are assisting. Some 500 emergency personnel came from 30 states.

They’re still working tirelessly to put an end to these fires.

Strong disaster response is locally executed, state managed, and federally

supported. Each of these components is committed to supporting impacted Nebraskans.

As we transition to recovery and rebuilding, we need flexibility. For example, the

burn scars have left tall berms of sand and soot. Installing new ranch fenceposts

will be a challenge. We can expedite permitting and waive requirements to ease this

repair. I will support state and local leaders through this process. I am also

coordinating with Secretary Rollins to make sure disaster assistance is processed

quickly.

For Nebraskans impacted by the wildfires, the USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster

Assistance Program may be able to help. These programs include assistance for

livestock, farmland damages, and crop losses. It’s important to document any

damages and report them to your local USDA FSA office for assistance. My office and

I stand ready to answer questions and help Nebraskans impacted by the fire navigate

the process. You deserve this assistance. Please apply. Secretary Rollins and the

USDA are committed to helping Nebraskans recover as well.

Check in with your neighbors to make sure they’re alright. Community organizations

are already delivering assistance. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and

Nebraska Cattlemen have been providing immediate relief to impacted Nebraskans. The

Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Trucking Association are

coordinating to provide feed and supplies for ranches. Deliveries of hay are coming

in from as far as Illinois and Montana. Ranchers will need help feeding cattle for

months — if not longer. If you are able to support any of these organizations, I

encourage you to do so.

Nebraska is the best place in the world. We have a great spirit and care for each

other. We’re seeing it on full display as people pitch in to help combat and

recover from these fires. But we have a lot of work to do. I will continue to

support state and local recovery efforts. I will continue coordinating federal

assistance. Let’s pray for the affected Nebraskans and lend a helping hand through

this terrible tragedy.

My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.

You can also view my website at http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.The wildfires across Western Nebraska are the worst since we became a state. They