Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: For Wildfires, Nebraska Must Be Better Prepared

Wildfires are a natural part of the prairie landscape.  This year, we had the largest wildfires in our state’s history.  Over a million acres were burned.  Property was lost and livestock were hurt.  We are grateful for our first responders who helped contain these fires.  Their dedication and sacrifice protected communities across the state.

In the aftermath of these fires, I visited local fire stations and toured fire lines.  I flew over the damage with Governor Jim Pillen and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.  I listened to local communities on how we can rebuild and prepare for future wildfire events.  My commitment to supporting the impacted communities and our first responders continues.

I also visited with the Sandhills Fire Prevention District and Crawford Volunteer Fire Department.  Sandhills first responders saved the town of Ashby in the middle of the night.  Crawford firefighters saved Fort Robinson State Park.  They also evacuated residents from an assisted living facility.  One of the things I heard was that the best way to contain a fire is to get a headstart.  Quick reaction times cut down the rate of fire growth.  For fast-moving fires, aerial attacks can slow wildfires and support ground crews.  That’s why I introduced the Pilot for Regional Emergency Prepositioning of Aerial Resources and Equipment (PREPARE) Act.

As Governor, I always looked for ways to confront fires sooner.  As Senator, I’m doing the same.  The backbone of federal firefighting is aerial attack.  That’s the tanker planes and backet-carrying helicopters that drop water and fire retardant.  These aircraft suppress wildfires quickly, effectively, and over a large area.

The PREPARE Act would strengthen our federal firefighting response efforts at the U.S. Forest Service and Wildland Fire Service.  It would establish a pilot program that positions firefighting aircrafts earlier in the year.  That way, they are ready to go when fires break out.  We can’t wait until local resources are overwhelmed to dispatch aerial support.  It also targets fine fuel — the prairie grasses that quickly burn in Nebraska.

I’m also working to support current and future rebuilding efforts.  I helped secure a FEMA grant that will cover 75% of the firefighting costs from the South Forks Fire.  This grant makes sure that local communities do not bear the entire cost of the wildfire.  I worked with the Trump Administration to open up grazing access at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.  Past administrations have not freed up this grazing land.

I also brought Undersecretary of Agriculture Richard Fordyce to Nebraska.  He oversees Farm Production and Conservation, which includes wildfire recovery programs.  We heard from Nebraska ranchers impacted by the fires.  We listened to them about the challenges for rebuilding.  We heard about policies that get in the way.  They said they needed flexibility, not one-size-fits-all policies.

After these discussions, the Department of Agriculture loosened requirements for replacing fence posts damaged in the fires.  I also introduced the Fencing Eligibility for New Conservation Equipment (FENCE) Act.  The legislation would allow virtual fencing to be an option under the Emergency Conservation Program.  The FENCE Act builds on the flexibility farmers and ranchers are asking for.

This year is a reminder that efforts to combat devastating wildfires must improve with changing landscapes.  I’m grateful for the quick response of our brave law enforcement and local authorities.  I will continue to make sure our state has the resources needed to recover and rebuild.  I will continue fighting to make sure we’re prepared for the future.

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 https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.