Gov. Heineman Signs State of Emergency
in Response to Wildfires in Sioux County

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in response to several wildfires in the Nebraska Panhandle. Extreme drought conditions in the area have contributed to elevated fire risk, and lightning ignited several wildfires in the Soldier Creek area of Sioux County yesterday.

Federal fire crews are currently managing the series of fires in the area. The Governor’s emergency declaration ensures that Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials and Nebraska National Guard assets and personnel are available to assist in the response.

Two crews made up of approximately 33 Nebraska Guard personnel trained to fight wildfires are being dispatched to the area. Twenty soldiers are from the Chadron area. The remaining soldiers are part of a firefighting unit based in Norfolk.

NEMA and representatives from the State Fire Marshal’s Office have begun coordinating with the federal incident management team arriving today. Wildfires are currently burning pine and prairie grass on primarily federally-owned land.