Wildfire burns 70,000 acres in central NE
On the morning of Monday, Feb. 26, a lawnmower started a fire just outside North Platte, Neb. According to the Emergency Management of Region 51, a resident of Betty’s Way, who was approximately 8.6 miles northeast of North Platte, alerted firefighters about the fire issue at 10:32 a.m. The fire department of North Platte was alerted and responded within 12 minutes after the call was made. Later on, requests for additional personnel aid from the Mid-Plains Mutual Aid District were made. This district contained an additional 15 area volunteer fire departments.
Due to the recent strong winds approaching 40 mph, the fire spread increased exponentially and rapidly grew eastward. Evacuation orders were issued for residents who were within range of the fire or its path. Fortunately, no reports of any injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The severity of the wildfire led to the request for additional help to the State of Nebraska. Governor Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency. Because of this, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, and other collaborating agencies from throughout the state offered extra assistance. To assist the local fire managers on the ground, Governor Pillen activated the Nebraska Incident Management Team to handle the situation. Numerous fire departments in Nebraska were instructed to provide additional help by Region 51 Emergency Management. Tuesday morning was the start of Nebraska IMT operations, which will help with the management of extra resources across the state. For situations involving drones and aerial support, the Nebraska State Patrol and National Guard are assisting.
According to Nebraska Representative Adrian Smith, “I continue to track conditions and response to wildfires in Lincoln, Custer, and Logan Counties. I commend Governor Pillen for his action to declare a state of emergency and mobilize National Guard resources. I also thank the Nebraska State Patrol and local responders for their efforts to ensure the safety of Nebraskans and bring the fires under control. I encourage local residents to remain alert and follow advisement from emergency management officials.”
By midday of Wednesday, Feb. 28 it was reported that the fires had been contained up to 80%; however, strong winds still pose a problem with stopping the fire’s advance. It was reported that two homes as well as several other buildings had been destroyed by the fire.
More information can be found on KNOP news, Nebraska Examiner, and Lincoln Journal Star.
By Robert Tengker