Could a Major Fire Disaster Happen in Blair? Here’s What You Need to Know

BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 January 13, Monday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook

While the Los Angeles fires dominate national headlines with their $275 billion in damage, Blair residents should focus on a more immediate reality: Nebraska has faced multiple serious wildfires in just the past year, some disturbingly close to home.

Blair’s Fire Chief Addresses Our Readiness

Blair Fire Chief Joe Leonard wants residents to know our city stands prepared, but vigilant. “Our infrastructure has improved immensely with the expansion of the water treatment facility,” he explains. “As far as the pressure, we really haven’t run into any issues as the city maintains the hydrants really well.”

Unlike Los Angeles, where firefighters struggled with failed hydrants, Blair maintains multiple water supply options. “Our backup comes from our mutual aid partners in Washington, Douglas, Dodge, and Burt counties in Nebraska and Harrison County in Iowa,” Chief Leonard notes. “We can also utilize any river, creek, or pond to draft water if needed.”

This robust water supply system marks a crucial difference from Los Angeles. As Chief Leonard explains, “California’s water issues come from the government controlling the water basins and the funding needed to sustain life and property conservation. The mayor cut the funding by over 43 million dollars, which has a huge impact on service to the community.”

Recent Nebraska Fires Show Why We Must Stay Prepared

Just in the past year, Nebraska has experienced several major fires that demonstrate how quickly disaster can strike:

• Just three months ago (October 2024), a wildfire near Greenwood – only 60 miles from Blair – forced a shelter-in-place order and burned 120 acres. Multiple fire departments and local farmers worked together to contain the blaze.
• In February 2024, the Betty’s Wave Fire in central Nebraska scorched 71,000 acres, sparked by something as ordinary as mowing. The fire destroyed one home, damaged another, and required National Guard Blackhawk helicopters for firefighting support.
• In July 2024, the Dalton fire demonstrated the frightening speed of prairie fires, burning 700 acres in just 2.5 hours – that’s 280 acres per hour.

Blair’s Advantages

Chief Leonard and his team keep close watch on conditions that could lead to fire danger. “We keep a close eye on the forecast, and if we need to implement a burn ban we will. We have run into this in the past.”

Our city’s fire preparation advantages include:

1. Recently upgraded water infrastructure
2. Well-maintained hydrant system
3. Access to natural water sources
4. Strong mutual aid agreements with five counties
5. Regular monitoring of fire conditions
6. Experience implementing preventive measures like burn bans

What Blair Residents Should Do Now

Immediate Steps (Low or No Cost):

1. Create Your Defensible Space
   • Clear 30 feet around your home of flammable materials
   • Remove dead vegetation and leaves
   • Keep grass mowed below 4 inches
   • Move firewood at least 30 feet from structures
2. Emergency Preparation
   • Ensure house numbers are clearly visible
   • Keep 100 feet of hose accessible
   • Create family evacuation plans
   • Gather important documents in one place
3. Regular Maintenance
   • Clean gutters and roofs
   • Trim branches hanging over your house
   • Clear underneath decks and porches
   • Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees)

Consider These Investments:

1. Property Improvements
   • Replace wood-shake roofs with fire-resistant materials
   • Install mesh screening on vents
   • Use fire-resistant landscaping
   • Create fuel breaks with driveways and paths
2. Structural Protection
   • Install double-paned or tempered glass windows
   • Use fire-resistant siding
   • Consider sprinkler systems
   • Enclose areas under decks

The Bottom Line for Blair Residents

While we won’t face the exact scenario playing out in Los Angeles, Nebraska’s recent fires show we face our own serious wildfire risks. The good news? Blair has strong infrastructure, multiple water sources, and extensive regional support networks. The key is maintaining this preparedness while taking individual action to protect our properties.

Local Resources

• Blair Fire Department
• Download the “Living with Fire in Eastern Nebraska” guide from NEMA
• Assess Your Risk

Remember: The question isn’t if wildfires will occur near Blair, but when. Take action now to protect your property and family.

Sources: Email Interview with Blair Fire Chief Joe Leonard; KOLN 1011 News coverage of Greenwood fire (October 2024); KETV NewsWatch 7 coverage of Betty’s Wave Fire (February 2024); News Channel Nebraska coverage of Dalton fire (July 2024); “Living with Fire in Eastern Nebraska” guide from Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Los Angeles fire details from Associated Press reports.