Lincoln, Neb. —Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Bryan Tuma, State Fire Marshal Chris Cantrell and Nebraska Forest Service Director John Erixson announced that, for the first time in its history, the State of Nebraska has a fully operational Type 3, All-hazards Incident Management Team. This team was created through a joint effort of all three agencies’ dedicated professionals and is an accomplishment 10 years in the making.
Gov. Ricketts announced that nearly 50 Nebraskans have now earned credentials to serve on a Nebraska Type 3 IMT or IMAT during wildfires or other disasters and incidents.
“These Nebraskans are prepared to work on a multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional team to provide an effective response to extended incidents including wildfires, floods and other disasters. When local resources are depleted or beyond the capabilities of the local responders, Nebraska’s qualified responders can work with local jurisdictions to provide management resources and access to needed resources.”
Abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions in the western and south central portions of the state, have resulted in several fires already this year, including the Hubbard Fire that burnt 4,000 acres in Banner County late last month. NEMA, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nebraska Forest Service along with partner agencies are ready to support local responders should any wildfires exceed capacity to manage the incident at the local level.
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