Cherry County braces for potential fire weather

VALENTINE, Neb. - Despite much of Nebraska not being in a drought, Cherry County’s emergency manager warns that fire season might be around the corner.

At Tuesday’s Cherry County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Mike McConaugey said, ““I think fire season is approaching.” Emergency Manager Jessica Coyle agreed.

Coyle said that a single engine air tanker, or SEAT, is now stationed in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The plane can deliver up to 800 gallons of fire retardant to support firefighters on the ground.

“The next couple of weeks look really hot and dry, so things could change quickly,” Coyle said.

While Cherry County isn’t currently in a drought, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that parts of Sheridan County are abnormally dry. Much of Dawes and Box Butte counties are also abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought, with all of Sioux County now considered in a moderate drought.

“It seems to be inching our way,” Coyle said.