LINCOLN, Neb. — Smoke associated with prescribed burning in the Central Plains region may affect the air quality in Nebraska.
The Department of Environment and Energy and Department of Health and Human Services have issued an advisory of possible Moderate (yellow) to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) Air Quality Index impacts may occur in parts of central and eastern Nebraska, potentially affecting Beatrice, Bellevue, Columbus, Fairbury, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Omaha, and York during the morning of April 12, 2025, through mid-day April 13, 2025.
This is a result of prescribed burns in Kansas. March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within the Flint Hills. Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts…