ES LLC

04/14/2026

Cedars make wildfire more dangerous and difficult to control.
Eastern redcedar is a volatile fuel with increased flame lengths & spotfire risk.

Volatile Fuels: contain chemicals with a low boiling point that ignite easily and burn at high temperatures.

Flame Length & Spotfire Risk
Grasses: Flame length average, 4 - 6 ft
Eastern Redcedar: Flame length average, 30 ft

Cedar Embers
- travel long distances (500+ ft)
- can cause spotfires ahead of the main fire
- increases risk of structure loss and injury to people

To learn more about cedar as a hazardous fuel, click the link. https://bit.ly/VolatileFuelOSU

03/28/2026

Prescribed Fire VS Wildfire
Wildfire weather is VERY DIFFERENT from ideal prescribed burn weather. High wind speeds cause wildfire spread.

Wildfires in Oklahoma Factsheet →https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/nrem/wildfires-in-oklahoma-nrem-2888.pdf

Starbuck Wildfire - Mar 6, 2017
Beaver Mesonet Conditions
- 6% Relative Humidity (minimum)
- 67 mph Wind Speed (maximum, 3 second gust)
- 8% Fuel Moisture (1-hour fuels)

Anderson Creek Wildfire - Mar 23, 2016
Alva Mesonet Conditions
- 7% Relative Humidity (minimum)
- 58 mph Wind Speed (maximum, 3 second gust)
- 7% Fuel Moisture (1-hour fuels)

Rhea Wildfire - April 12, 2018
Seiling Mesonet Conditions
- 5% Relative Humidity (minimum)
- 43 mph Wind Speed (maximum, 3 second gust)
- 6% Fuel Moisture (1-hour fuels)

Madge Wildfire - April 12, 2018
Hollis Mesonet Conditions
- 7% Relative Humidity (minimum)
- 41 mph Wind Speed (maximum, 3 second gust)
- 5% Fuel Moisture (1-hour fuels)

Ferguson Wildfire - Sep 1, 2011
Medicine Part Mesonet Conditions
- 19% Relative Humidity (minimum)
- 30 mph Wind Speed (maximum, 3 second gust)
- 11% Fuel Moisture (1-hour fuels)

PRESCRIBED FIRE Weather Conditions
- 40%+ Relative Humidity
- 4-15 mph Wind Speed
- 8-20% 1-Hour Fuel Moisture

Weather data from the Oklahoma Mesonet

03/18/2026

3 acres of elm trees piled up to use as a shelter belt for cattle

02/17/2026

02/15/2026

Widespread critical fire weather conditions are expected Sunday across western and central Nebraska, with continued concerns Monday through Wednesday.

If your area is under a Red Flag Warning, it is strongly suggested that you do not burn piles or debris. Even one spark can cause a fast-moving wildfire.

Over 90% of wildfires in Nebraska are human-caused — which means we can make a difference. Please use extreme caution and help prevent the next fire.

11/21/2025

How Does Eastern Redcedar Spread?
- Up to 1.5 million seeds produced per mature tree every year
- 65% seed spread beyond mature trees by birds
- 95% seedlings up to 200 yards from mature trees
- 1 mature tree contaminates 26 acres with seedlings
- Trees produce seeds at 6-7 years old (~5ft tall)
- Short lived seeds: Viability 5% at 14 months; 3% at 28 months

Stopping Eastern Redcedar Invasion
- Prioritize defending areas of intact grassland
- Prevent seedling establishment (fire/haying)
- Remove seed sources (mature females trees ~5ft tall)
- Reduce perch locations for birds spreading seed (unneeded fence, cedar skeletons, other trees)

11/13/2025

PLEASE SHARE. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Friday. Avoid parking hot machinery on tall grass, check for underinflated tires, and look out for dragging tow chains!

10/09/2025

Brown county fire break complete. Some steep country

09/28/2025

Big news for Nebraska! The Nebraska Forest Service has secured over $24 million in federal grants to reduce wildfire risk in Brown and Rock counties. These funds will support three major mitigation projects, including creating fuel breaks and firebreaks, enhancing community resilience, and improving access in remote areas. By collaborating with local landowners and communities, these efforts aim to protect homes, ranches, and natural resources from wildfire threats.

This investment is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Forest Service to support at-risk communities in reducing wildfire hazards through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program.

For more details on the project: https://go.unl.edu/mnrs

Photo courtesy of Leslie Bannan, Harrison Volunteer Fire Department

09/08/2025

Now offering pile burning services!

I have my own fire engine
12 years with Stuart Volunteer Fire Department
2 years of experience on federal fires

Give me a call @ (402)340-0635