Burn Ban Information
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFriday, March 13, 2026: Governor Issues Burn Ban for 14 days
Effective immediately the Governor has issued an Executive Order that bans the issuance of Open Burn Permits for 14 days. The Executive Order prohibits any fire chief or person designated by the fire chief from granting an open burn permit for any purpose. Any existing burn permit that has not been completed is null and void and open burning is not permitted for 14 consecutive days beginning now.
This order will be reviewed prior to its termination to determine the need to extend the ban. Further information will be provided prior to that date.
Wednesday, March 10, 2026: Burn Ban Issued for Waverly
Due to extremely dry conditions, Waverly Fire/Rescue has issued a burn ban for the Waverly Suburban Fire District, including the City of Waverly, until measurable moisture in the form of rain or snow is received. The abundance of dry surface fuels necessitates this burn ban.
No open burn permits will be issued at this time. The use of outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and similar open-flame devices is not permitted. Residents are strongly discouraged from any outdoor activities that could create sparks or flames. Dry vegetation, warm temperatures, and low humidity greatly increase wildfire risk. The ban will be lifted when conditions are deemed safe to lift the ban. We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect lives and property.
Please contact the City Office 402-786-2312 or the Fire Chief 402-786-3055 / firechief@citywaverly.com with any questions.
Burn Ban Information
The Fire Chief will declare a burn ban on open burn permits if certain factors are present causing unsafe burning conditions. When a burn ban is declared, all burning is prohibited including issuance of open burn permits and fire pit use. A burn ban can happen for two reasons:
1. Red Flag Warning
- Waverly Fire Rescue will automatically issue a burn ban that will go into effect if a Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service in Omaha. No open burning will be allowed during this time. The ban starts one day before the Red Flag Warning is forecasted and ends two days after the warning is over. National Weather Service website
2. Seasonal Changes/Weather Conditions
- Waverly Fire Rescue may temporarily stop issuing open burn permits if certain conditions make burning unsafe. The decision will be based on seasonal changes and weather patterns. This ban will last as long as needed, depending on the following factors:
- Several brush fires have occurred in or near Waverly’s fire district.
- Other nearby fire departments have also stopped issuing burn permits.
- Drought conditions in the area, based on data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- If drought levels reach Extreme (D3) or Exceptional (D4), a ban will likely be put in place. U.S. Drought Monitor website
Waverly Fire & Rescue can stop allowing open burn permits at any time for circumstances above and beyond these factors.