Beatrice Fire Department says mild winter weather brings drought, fire danger

BEATRICE - It’s beginning to feel like spring in southeast Nebraska, but it comes with a cost.

Much of the state, including the southeast region, are experiencing drought like conditions, and face record lows of precipitation for winter. Brian Daake is Fire Chief for the Beatrice Fire Department and explained the current situation.

“In our area, we’re right on the border of being abnormally dry and moderate drought,” Daake said.

Daake says a severe winter drought can have long term impact.

“Bad thing is, this of course will effect spring,” Daake said. “Planning and harvesting will be had if we don’t start getting some moisture, and of course, the long term problems with fires if we don’t start to get some moisture.”

Because of this, the risk of wildfire danger is enhanced. Several southeast Nebraska counties have been in and out of red flag warnings in recent weeks, as a result of high winds, warmer temperatures, and low humidity. The region has cracked 60 degrees multiple times already this winter.

“If we do get a grass fire, or any fire, it’s going to create much more difficulty to contain the fire because everything is just right,” Daake said.In such conditions, fires can be caused by numerous factors.

“Cigarettes could create a problem when improperly discarded, vehicles parked in grassy areas where the catalytic converter gets hot, those have been known to start fires,” Daake said. “I’ve also seen guys out disking and they hit a rock, create a spark.”

To prevent fires from happening, Daake emphasizes being smart when taking advantage of the nice weather.

“I wouldn’t do a recreational fire right now,” Daake said. “And be wise when grilling and cooking outside and with any other outdoor activities.”