Building a Historic Comeback Story
By Governor Jim Pillen
April 3, 2026
In the face of fire, Nebraskans – once again – proved our grit and came together to protect life, property, and livestock.
After a dry winter, high temperatures, and relentless winds created a dangerous recipe for wildfires, our state has finally seen some badly needed rain. We’re not out of the woods yet. But, over the last weeks, as we faced the largest wildfires our state has ever seen, the people of our state fought back completely united.
That’s part of what it means to be a Nebraskan.
The Sandhills are a treasure of our state – and some of the best cattle-grazing land anywhere on the planet. So, this isn’t just a story about the number of acres burned. It is lives changed. It is livestock lost. It is real pain. These fires hurt, and the recovery of our land and people will take time – but I believe we’re at the beginning of a comeback story.
We know fences can be mended. We know buildings can be rebuilt. We know Nebraskans help Nebraskans – and the pioneer spirit that makes our people strong and unbreakable is shining through.
As Governor of this extraordinary state, every single day I’m in awe of Nebraskans. I can’t express my appreciation enough to the volunteer firefighters, National Guard servicemembers, emergency responders, local officials, and others who pitched in to fight back against these flames.
When a neighbor is in need, you stand up and go help. In the midst of desperate battle, communities around the state – urban and rural – sent firetrucks and support to help counter the blaze or trucked hay out to help feed cattle and aid recovery efforts.
Nebraska has stood by neighboring states as they have faced dire circumstances – and we benefitted from the kindness of the people of Iowa, North Dakota, Utah, Colorado, and Missouri as they stood by us.
I invited Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to come meet face to face with our frontline firefighters and cattle ranchers, hear Nebraska’s stories, and find out how federal government resources can be better utilized. Along with our federal delegation, we’ve worked tirelessly to build relationships with President Trump and his cabinet – for moments like these.
As Secretary Rollins said, “That’s how it works out here: when you lose everything, your neighbor shows up and helps carry the load. No questions, no hesitation, just quiet strength and open hands. We help our neighbor. We do what’s right. And we know they’ll have our backs when the burden is ours. This is the unbreakable heart of America.”
We have the resolve to get through this, united. Resources from across the state and the federal government have been mobilized, and we will continue to do more to serve the families, communities, and producers who have been most affected.
Thank God for our firefighters and emergency responders. Please continue to pray for the families whose lives have been upturned, and the ranchers who have been working around the clock to care for their herds and protect their livelihood.
In the face of historic fires – together – we’re building a historic comeback story.
