If you’re in western or central Nebraska, be extra careful today—fire danger is through the roof. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 PM Friday, and conditions are perfect for wildfires to ignite and spread dangerously fast.
Between strong winds, bone-dry air, and little to no rain, it won’t take much for a tiny spark to turn into a raging fire. Fire officials are on high alert, and they’re asking everyone to do their part to avoid any activity that could accidentally start a fire.
Why Is Fire Danger So High Today?
Winds Cranking Up (25-35 MPH, Gusts Over 45 MPH) – The wind is no joke today. If a fire starts, these gusts will push it across fields, roads, and neighborhoods in no time.
Super Low Humidity (10-20%) – The air is so dry that trees, grass, and brush will ignite almost instantly if exposed to a spark.
Crispy, Dry Conditions – Nebraska hasn’t seen much rain lately, and that’s left everything bone-dry. When the land is this parched, fires burn hotter and spread faster.
Who’s at the Highest Risk?
The biggest fire danger is in western and central Nebraska, including:
North Platte
McCook
Grand Island
Hastings
Kearney
If you live in or near these areas, be extra careful today—wildfires here could spread before you even have time to react.
How to Prevent a Fire Today
Absolutely NO Outdoor Burning! – No campfires, no fire pits, no burning trash—none of it. A tiny ember could travel miles and ignite a disaster.
Watch Where You Park & Drive – The heat from your car’s engine can ignite dry grass in seconds. And if you’re pulling a trailer, make sure your chains aren’t dragging—sparks from metal on pavement can start a fire too.
Handle Cigarettes Responsibly – If you smoke, don’t flick your cigarette butt on the ground or out of a car window. That tiny ember could destroy thousands of acres.
Be Mindful with Outdoor Equipment – If you’re using farm machinery, welding tools, or anything that produces sparks or heat, do it far away from dry grass and brush.
How Long Will This Last?
The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 PM Friday, but just because the warning expires doesn’t mean the danger is over. If dry, windy conditions continue, fire risk could extend into the weekend.
If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately. Wildfires in these conditions spread incredibly fast, and the sooner fire crews respond, the better chance they have of stopping it.
It’s a high-risk fire day, Nebraska. If you’re outside, be smart, be careful, and don’t take any chances. A small mistake could lead to a massive wildfire that puts lives, homes, and communities at risk.
