22 Nebraska National Guard members deploy to wildfires as Pillen declares emergency

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency Thursday as wildfires burned in central and western Nebraska.

There are three active wildfires in Custer County and one in Dawes County.

They are spreading quickly due to high winds and dry conditions.

The Nebraska National Guard is mobilizing 22 soldiers and airmen to help fight the Custer County fires, which burned several thousand acres.

Spokesman Kevin Hynes said 12 soldiers and airmen are providing ground support to firefighters.

The others will be helping to battle the flames from the air. The guard is sending two helicopters.

“We sincerely appreciate the willingness of our Soldiers and Airmen, as well as their families and employers, to support these local volunteer firefighters as they work to bring these blazes under control,” said Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska’s adjutant general.

SEE ALSO: ‘If you fly, they can’t’: Officials ask public to not use drones near Custer County wildfires

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency more than 150 firefighters are battling the fires in Custer County.

The agency said the Eureka Valley Fire is 75% contained and has burned 4,800 acres.

Combined, the Lillian Fire and the East Table Road Fire have burned 1,350 acres and are 55% contained.

SEE ALSO: Three active wildfires burn 4,000 acres in central Nebraska