Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday requested that the Trump administration issue a major disaster declaration to assist wildfire recovery for over 820,000 acres of burned Nebraska land.
“As Nebraska faced historic wildfires, the people of our state came together to jumpstart the recovery process,” Pillen said in a press release. “I’m submitting my request for a disaster declaration to the White House and [Federal Emergency Management Agency]. We appreciate President Trump’s attention to this matter and his long-standing support of our state when we have requested disaster recovery funding.”
The damages sit at $9.7 million so far, according to preliminary estimates by federal authorities and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.
The disaster declaration covers Arthur, Grant, Garden, Lincoln and Morrill counties. Federal funds would be used to repair public infrastructure like roads, bridges and power systems.
The declaration follows devastating wildfires in March that burned a record number of acres in Nebraska and multiple other wildfires that have sparked this continuing fire season. The Morrill Fire – the largest – affected Morrill, Garden, Arthur and Keith counties and burned nearly 650,000 acres.
Pillen said he was grateful for the support Nebraskans have received from in and out of state, but federal assistance will support long-term recovery efforts.
“Since these fires, we’ve been blessed beyond measure to see the outpouring of support – and load after load of hay – cross county and state lines to support ranching families and communities in the Sandhills,” Pillen said. “Nebraskans are tough as nails, and we’ll get through this moment together.”