Scotts Bluff County Considers Fireworks Ban Amid Severe Drought and Wildfire Concerns
With the Fourth of July approaching, Scotts Bluff County is confronting a severe drought and heightened wildfire risks. In response, county commissioners are moving towards a resolution that would prohibit the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas.
During a recent meeting, the commissioners voted 4-1 to draft the resolution, although one commissioner accidentally supported the measure due to a voting error. The vote followed an extended discussion involving county officials and stakeholders, including a local fire department chief and a fireworks retailer.
Several commissioners noted that other Nebraska counties are considering similar restrictions, yet they are wary of potential backlash from the community and state leaders. The urgency of the situation was emphasized by the recent history of wildfires in the region.
Morrill County, part of the Nebraska Panhandle, is still recovering from a massive wildfire that started in March when power lines sparked a blaze across 642,000 acres, making it the largest in the state’s history. Even before this incident, the area was experiencing dry conditions, now classified as “exceptional” drought by the National Drought Mitigation Center. Western Nebraska recently endured its warmest and driest winter on record, raising concerns about one of the worst droughts in state history. More details can be found here.
While acknowledging the dry conditions, much of the conversation at the county meeting revolved around the legality of a fireworks ban. It was clarified that the proposed ban would not affect fireworks within city limits like Scottsbluff and Gering, but would target rural areas.
Commissioner Ken Meyer, with a firefighting background, mentioned discussions with State Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein, who indicated that several counties have inquired about fireworks bans due to drought. Meyer stated, “He’s approached the governor multiple times. The governor doesn’t want to take a stand on it at all.”
Governor Jim Pillen’s office clarified that he had not discussed the matter with Hohbein, nor has he issued any fireworks moratoriums.
According to the county board attorney, Jason Ossian, Nebraska law allows counties with zoning regulations to implement resolutions for public safety, giving the commissioners the authority to consider such a ban. Details of the law can be accessed here.
Similar discussions occurred in Gering, where the Public Safety Committee proposed limiting fireworks discharge to a seven-day period, a measure to be reviewed by the city council. More on this debate here.
Fire officials, like Gering Fire Chief Nathan Flowers, warned of “unprecedented times” and significant drought, advocating for a ban to mitigate the risk of fires igniting in rural regions. “My major concern is [that] we’re seeing dry lightning in April and May,” Flowers said. He emphasized the potential delay in response if fire departments are simultaneously dealing with multiple ignition sources.
However, fireworks retailer Greg Trautman expressed concerns about the economic impact on his business. He argued that fireworks are seldom the cause of fires and that restrictions would unfairly burden his industry.
The county commissioners are set to vote on the fireworks ban in their next meeting, as the debate continues between public safety and personal freedoms.
