Increased emergency funding for aerial fire suppression or hazardous material response would be authorized under a bill heard by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan. 22.<\/p>\n
Currently, the state may grant up to $10,000 per event from the Governor\u2019s Emergency Program without the governor first declaring an emergency. LB772, introduced by Hyannis Sen. Al Davis, would raise that threshold to $25,000 per event.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really is important that we get a quick response to a fire situation,\u201d Davis said.<\/p>\n
Jerry Stilmock, representing the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association, supported the bill, saying flexibility is important in managing wildfires.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn these fires, what is critical is proper action on a moment\u2019s notice,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re just asking for another tool.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nebraska Forest Service director Scott Josiah testified in a neutral capacity. He said being able to address a fire quickly can prevent considerable damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cRapid and efficient dispatch is a vitally important component of the aerial wild firefighter\u2019s toolbox,\u201d Josiah said. \u201cIt can have a huge impact on the size of a wildfire and the damage it can cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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