Pillen Signs State of Emergency Proclamation for Panhandle Wildfire

Pillen Signs State of Emergency Proclamation for Panhandle Wildfire
Aerial view of the Schiff Fire southwest of Alliance (courtesy Riley Lake)
June 24th, 2024 | KNEB Staff

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency due to a wildfire that started in Box Butte County and spread into Morrill County last week.

Approximately 10,000 acres were scorched. The fire was made worse by a combination of high temperatures, high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions that resulted in a fast-moving blaze that damaged public and private property and caused health dangers.

The proclamation allows for use of the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help pay for recovery efforts beyond the scope of what local governments can handle.

Aerial view of the Schiff Fire southwest of Alliance showing red fire retardant drops (courtesy Riley Lake)
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