Governor Pillen extends statewide burn ban

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced he's extending the statewide burn ban. 

Officials said the suspension is effective through midnight on April 23, based on extreme dry and windy conditions that pose major fire risks.

Pillen will be working with fire and emergency officials to continually reassess the prohibition on open burns.

A red flag warning was in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday for portions of western Nebraska and northeast Colorado. That meany critical fire weather conditions were expected. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning, and activities that could spark a wildfire, were not advised.