A grass fire occurs along Interstate 80 in central Nebraska, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
BUFFALO CO. — The Buffalo County Fire Departments say that conditions are still not safe enough to lift the county wide-burn ban.
The initial burn ban was issued on Dec. 23, 2025 due to extremely dry conditions. The burning ban included Amherst, Elm Creek, Gibbon, Kearney, Miller, Pleasanton, Ravenna, and Shelton Fire Districts.
“We know the recent moisture was welcome news and many of you are ready to get back to outdoor burning. However, despite the recent moisture, local Fire Chiefs have concluded that conditions are still not safe enough to lift the county-wide burn ban,” per the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation. These restrictions are in place to protect our neighbors, property, and first responders. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe,” per KVFD.
No Open Burn Permits will be issued in an effort to preserve the lives and property of the citizens we serve in our fire district. Warmer conditions, lack of winter moisture and low relative humidity have caused vegetation to dry quickly. All Buffalo County Fire Chiefs also encourage residents to avoid burning in burn barrels during this ban.
Extreme caution should always be used when using burning barrels and should have an appropriate screen on top to deter burning debris from escaping the barrel. All outdoor activities that may lead to sparks or flames which could possibly ignite a wild fire are highly discouraged. If absolutely necessary, these activities should be performed with extreme caution and fire extinguishing capabilities should be readily available.
The individual Fire Departments will determine when conditions are appropriate to resume issuing burn permits.
There is always a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land, however, a burn permit can be obtained from the local fire chief on a form prescribed by the State of Nebraska when conditions are appropriate.
