July 02, 2002
Wildfires Are An Extreme Threat This Summer, Fourth of July
LINCOLN, Neb. - Drought, wheat harvest and Independence Day celebrations are converging this week to create extreme fire danger across Nebraska.
The same drought that has caused devastating wildfires in Colorado is spreading across Nebraska. Fire danger in western and southwestern Nebraska is reaching the extreme category on a daily basis. This index is in the high to very high category in central and eastern Nebraska, said Don Westover, Nebraska Forest Service fire program leader.
Lightning, wheat harvest and Independence Day celebrations could spell disaster for already dry grass and forests, Westover said.
"Although we can't prevent lightning, we can prevent wildfires caused by people," he said. "We all need to give serious thought to what we are doing when outdoors this summer. If you must play with fireworks, make sure they are legal and safely used. Parental supervision and judgment are very important."
The No. 1 cause of wildfires in Nebraska is debris burning, Westover said. Burning permits likely will be denied until there is rain. Open burning without a permit is illegal.
Individuals driving into rural areas need to remember not to park in fields of tall grass, he said. Dry grass touching a vehicle's exhaust system could ignite.
The U.S. Forest Service Monday (July 1) announced restrictions on campfires at all Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, including: Pine Ridge Ranger District, Oglala National Grassland, Bessey Ranger District, Charles E. Bessey Nursery and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.
Check local regulations elsewhere across Nebraska, Westover said.
Harvesting operations often are the cause of wheat fires, which can be extremely costly when the combine and the unharvested crop are destroyed, he said.
Keeping machinery well lubricated and clean can help reduce fires caused from friction-igniting crop residues, which seem to accumulate on horizontal surfaces, belts and hot manifolds.
"Every combine and truck entering the field should be equipped with a fire extinguisher," he said. "Harvesting the downwind side of the field first is a good idea. That way, if a fire does start, it will burn the stubble rather than the unharvested wheat."
07/02/02-SA Achim Dobermann - Ph.D.
Agronomy and Horticulture Professor (402) 472-1501
 
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News Service (402) 472-3030
Department:
School of Natural Resource Sciences
|
