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Eagle Today
By the People, for the People
Nebraska Burn Ban Lifted, but Fire Stations Hesitant to Issue Permits
Some local fire departments are still holding off on allowing open burning due to dry conditions and high winds.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:35am
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As Nebraska grapples with persistent drought, local fire departments must weigh state-level policy against the realities of their own communities when deciding whether to allow open burning.Eagle TodayGovernor Jim Pillen lifted the statewide burn ban in Nebraska on Thursday, but several local fire departments, including Eagle Fire & Rescue, are not immediately following suit and issuing burn permits. Fire captains cite ongoing dry conditions and high winds as reasons for their caution, despite the state-level order.
Why it matters
The burn ban lift aims to help irrigation districts and others manage their land through controlled burns, but local fire chiefs have the authority to use their best judgment on permit issuance based on the specific conditions in their areas. This highlights the tension between state-level policy and local risk assessment when it comes to fire safety.
The details
Eagle Fire & Rescue Captain Luke Renken and Station Chief Hank Oetjen both expressed surprise at the burn ban being lifted, noting that their region has continued to experience very dry conditions and high winds that could still pose a fire risk. Oetjen, who also works on a farm, said the current drought is 'one of the driest' he's seen, with a lack of crucial subsoil moisture.
- On Thursday, April 3, 2026, Governor Jim Pillen lifted the statewide burn ban in Nebraska.
- Local fire departments like Eagle Fire & Rescue are still holding off on issuing burn permits despite the state-level lift.
The players
Governor Jim Pillen
The governor of Nebraska who lifted the statewide burn ban on April 3, 2026.
Luke Renken
A captain at Eagle Fire & Rescue in Nebraska who is hesitant to issue burn permits despite the state-level lift due to ongoing dry conditions and high winds.
Hank Oetjen
The station chief at Eagle Fire & Rescue in Nebraska who was 'extremely shocked' by the burn ban being lifted, citing the lack of subsoil moisture and dry conditions in the region.
What they’re saying
“We are getting some moisture, but just understand it's going to dry out pretty fast.”
— Luke Renken, Captain, Eagle Fire & Rescue
“I was extremely shocked. I mean, yes, we got an inch of [rain], I understand certain areas of the state probably received more, but there were certain areas of the state didn't receive any.”
— Hank Oetjen, Station Chief, Eagle Fire & Rescue
What’s next
Local fire departments in Nebraska will continue to monitor conditions in their areas and make independent decisions on when to resume issuing burn permits, even if the statewide ban has been lifted.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the importance of local fire chiefs having the authority to make risk-based decisions for their communities, even when state-level policies change. It also underscores the ongoing challenges posed by drought conditions in parts of Nebraska.