Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Recovering from the Nebraska Wildfires

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.