Waverly February Newsletter Announces Burn Ban Lift, Sirens, Fire and Rescue Review

Update: Friday, February 20, 2026: The Burn Ban has been lifted for Waverly," the City of Waverly announced in its February 2026 Newsletter - Edition 14, citing "recent snowfall and reduced fire risk" and restoring the city’s burn-permit process for roughly 1,200 residents. The newsletter states, "With the recent snowfall and reduced fire risk, burn permits will now be issued in accordance with the City’s standard procedures. The Fire Chief will determine whether weather conditions are suitable and give final approval at the time of burning, in accordance with regular protocol."

The lift follows an earlier mid-February declaration by Waverly Fire & Rescue that imposed a ban across the Waverly Suburban Fire District, including the city of Waverly, because of extremely dry conditions. That earlier notice said the ban would remain "until measurable moisture in the form of rain or snow is received," and prohibited open burn permits, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pit use while the ban was in effect.

City materials set out how bans are declared and enforced. "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." The city lists two explicit triggers for a ban: "1. Red Flag Warning 2. Seasonal Changes/Weather Conditions," and adds that "Waverly Fire & Rescue can stop allowing open burn permits at any time for circumstances above and beyond these factors."

Residents seeking permits or clarification are asked to contact the City Office at 402-786-2312 or the Fire Chief at 402-786-3055, or by email at firechief@citywaverly.com. The newsletter references local legal authority as "Ordinance 24-11 Fire Prevention" in connection with burn and fire-prevention rules, and reiterates that final approval for any burn will be made by the Fire Chief at the time of burning.

Edition 14 also carried other community items and calendar details. The newsletter highlights "Waverly Fire/Rescue 2025 Year in Review" and a "Waverly 1934 Fire Truck Fundraiser." The week-of-February-22 calendar shows a cancelled Planning Commission meeting for Monday, February 23 at Community Meeting Hall, 14130 Lancashire St; a City Council meeting scheduled Tuesday, February 24 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the same hall; and a Kiwanis meeting Saturday, February 28 from 7:00am to 8:00am at Trackside Bar & Grill, 13901 Guildford St # H, Waverly, NE 68462. For Public Works after-hours emergencies the city lists 402-613-8680.

The newsletter text contains a likely typographical error in its election copy: it reads, "There will be two (2) offices on the primary election ballot for the City of Waverly in 2025," while also giving filing dates tied to the May 12, 2026 primary and a January 5, 2026 filing window. City officials did not provide an expanded explanation in the newsletter; readers with questions about candidate filing or ordinance details can reach the City Office at 402-786-2312.