Nebraska Fire Marshal urges caution with hunting season ramping up

Fire officials in Nebraska are asking people to take precautions to prevent fires as many will spend the weekend outdoors. 

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal says fire danger is at elevated levels in western Nebraska for Thursday and Friday. 

Firearm deer season doesn't open until Saturday, but pheasant, quail and partridge season is already underway. Many people are also expected out before Saturday to set up stands and blinds before deer season official opens.

With more out in the fields, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal wants people to take steps to mitigate fire chances. 

They are reminding people to keep vehicles out of tall, dry grass. 

Gusty winds expected in the next few days are further complicating matters and any sparks have the potential to start a wildland fire. 

"Let's keep our wildland firefighters in their tree stands and out of their rigs this weekend," the State Fire Marshal said. 

Much of the Nebraska panhandle and southwest Nebraska is under a very high risk for fire on Thursday. A portion is south central Nebraska is under extremely dangerous conditions. 

By Saturday, a portion of Kimball County is expected to be under a very high risk, with much of the rest of the panhandle and southwest Nebraska under moderate to high risk for fires. 

Firearm deer season starts Saturday, Nov. 13 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 21. Pheasant, quail and partridge season runs until Jan. 31, 2022.