The Superior Express -

The drought conditions continue. And so do the strong winds. Both make extremely dangerous fire conditions, which have become too frequent the past several months.

Massive fires near Nelson, Guide Rock, Burr Oak and most recently, near Arapahoe, have burned thousands of acres of land, and consumed millions of dollars’ worth of feed, fences, equipment, and buildings, including homes and personal property. Vehicles have been destroyed and lives have been lost as volunteers attempt to fight these fires.

The official cause of most of these fires will never be known, but the impact on those affected will last forever.

Chris McClure, Nelson Fire Chief, wants to remind everyone of the risk and danger of starting even the smallest fire in these conditions. A trash fire could result in another massive fire like others across the state.

Chris also reports that no burn permits will be issued in the Nelson area until sufficient moisture is received and vegetation greens up.

“Just because it is calm today, doesn’t mean that a fire can’t be reignited by windy conditions a day or even several days later.” McClure continues, “Please don’t be burning anything at this time!”

Greg Pohlmeier, Lawrence Fire Chief, echoed those same comments and added, “Absolutely no burn permits until it greens up and gets wet again, even if we have to wait until snow flies next winter!”

Pohlmeier added, “And we wouldn’t survive if it wasn’t for mutual aid (the assistance from neighboring fire departments). We call all neighboring departments as soon as the siren blows because we can’t afford to wait until we get to the scene to determine what we might need to control the fire.”

Area farmers and their use of discs and other farm equipment have been of great assistance and much appreciated in all of these fires. Having discs and water sources ready to go would be a good idea! But they also need to be cautious as their safety is also at risk.

John Hodge, Nuckolls County attorney, adds burning without a permit can result in a Class 4 misdemeanor punishable up to $500 fine. Tickets can be issued by the law enforcement and the state fire marshall.

Plus, people can he held responsible for civil damages, whether they have a burn permit or not, if negligence is determined to be a factor in the fire.

Both chiefs also ask the public to please stay away from fire scenes of all types. Obviously when high wind conditions exist - as in the past few weeks - visibility is reduced to near zero and the risk to property and life is high, and real.

Two fire trucks collided in the Burr Oak fire and another was lost in a bridge collapse where firefighters were injured. Also, the Elwood fire chief lost his life in a collision between a fire tanker and the vehicle he was in during the Arapahoe fire two weeks ago.

Stay out of the way! Save your sightseeing for a time after the fire is distinguished. Your presence could cost someone their life.

And travelers, please do not throw cigarettes out the window. That is a major cause of fires in all types of weather conditions.

Simply stated, be careful, and don’t be burning anything during these dangerous fire conditions!