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Warmer Temps, Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Bring Increased Fire Threat

By Matthew Leaf

03/17/2014

(KTNC) -- There is an increased threat of wildfires this afternoon. The National Weather Service says critical fire weather conditions are expected as temperatures climb into the upper 50s to around 70 degrees.
The warmer temperatures, low dew points and relative humidity, and strong, gusty south winds combined with very dry fuels will create very high to extreme fire danger across the area this afternoon.
Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for far southeast Nebraska counties including Nemaha, Richardson and Pawnee. A Red Flag Warning is in effect this afternoon for a large swath of the region including Johnson, Gage and Otoe Counties.
Fire crews spent part of their weekend battling wind-swept grass fires in eastern Nebraska.
The Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to eight grass fires over the weekend. Rural Fire Department officials say they will not issue any burn permits until further notice due to the dry conditions.
Elsewhere, several fires were reported Saturday in Cass and Sarpy counties. Plattsmouth Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Bill Dudek says crews at one point had three fires burning simultaneously.

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