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U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts says Nebraska is facing a historic wildfire crisis, with fires burning across large portions of the state and impacting thousands of residents.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Ricketts said, “my home state of Nebraska is currently experiencing a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion for our state,” adding that Nebraska is seeing “the largest wildfires since Nebraska became a state.”
According to Ricketts, multiple fires that began last week have burned up to 750,000 acres—more than one percent of Nebraska’s total land area.
The fires have resulted in at least one death. Ricketts identified the victim as Rosemary White, “a grandmother of 12,” who died at a ranch near Arthur.
In addition to the fatality, Ricketts said “hundreds, if not thousands of people” have been impacted.
Ricketts toured affected areas alongside Governor Jim Pillen and Congressman Adrian Smith, praising the response from firefighters and emergency crews.
“Thank you to all of the firefighters, our volunteer firefighters who were our first responders on the scene who worked tirelessly to be able to control this fire,” Ricketts said, noting many had “little sleep over the past several days and were exhausted.”
He also credited federal firefighting teams, the Nebraska National Guard, and assistance from Iowa. Two Blackhawk helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets have been deployed to help control the fires from the air.
Despite those efforts, several major fires remain only partially contained. Ricketts reported the Mullen fire has burned more than 572,000 acres and is 18% contained, while the Cottonwood fire has burned over 131,000 acres and is 40% contained. The Road 203 fire has burned 35,000 acres and is 36% contained, and the Anderson Bridge fire has burned 17,000 acres and is 60% contained.
Ricketts urged residents to take evacuation orders seriously as conditions continue to change rapidly.
“If you get the evacuation order, be prepared because this fire has moved fast,” he said. “Please don’t stay. If you stay too long, you’re putting yourself and the firefighters at risk.”
He also encouraged those affected to document damage for potential assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency and highlighted relief efforts through organizations including the Nebraska Cattlemen, Red Cross, and Salvation Army.
State officials estimate more than 30,000 cattle may be displaced, with losses expected but not yet fully known.
Ricketts said the fires have been fueled by dry winter conditions but emphasized the ongoing response from across the state.
“We have many brave Nebraskans, volunteers, firefighters, National Guard who are working to be able to get this fire under control,” he said.
He added that Nebraska’s federal delegation will continue supporting state and local recovery efforts and again called for prayers for those affected by what he described as “this terrible tragedy.”