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Nebraska Uses Prescribed Burns to Contain Fire Amid Permit Freeze

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nebraska fire crews, led by Fire Chief Jason Schneider, used prescribed-burn tactics to contain the March 2026 Cottonwood Fire.
Governor Jim Pillen’s March order to pause burn permits forced Fire Chief Judd Stewart to cancel nearly 50 permits.
Board member Austin Klemm said six landowners have spent $250,000-$275,000 on burn planning that may be delayed by the ban.

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Story summary

Nebraska fire crews, led by Fire Chief Jason Schneider, used prescribed-burn tactics to contain the March 2026 Cottonwood Fire.
Governor Jim Pillen’s March order to pause burn permits forced Fire Chief Judd Stewart to cancel nearly 50 permits.
Board member Austin Klemm said six landowners have spent $250,000-$275,000 on burn planning that may be delayed by the ban.