Extreme danger warning north of McCook as fire burns for a second straight day
Authorities say damaged trees are falling and there's potential for rapid flare-ups
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A fire is burning for a second straight day near Hugh Butler Lake, north of McCook.
The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department says it’s the second of two fires that began spreading Wednesday afternoon.
The first one, named the Road 383 Fire, started on the southwest end of the lake.
Crews from Maywood, Curtis, Hayes County and Culbertson were all called in to help battle the blaze.
Areas around a group of cabins were damaged, and a small structure was also lost.
After firefighters knocked the first blaze down, a second one started in a ditch on Road 723.
Authorities say that blaze, now known as the Mile Marker 26 Fire, quickly spread across wheat stubble and dry pasture ground.
Crews from Indianola, Bartley Beaver Valley, Decatur County, Holbrook, Edison, Arapahoe, Cambridge, Stratton, Wauneta, Palisade, Trenton and Benkelman all responded.
Air support was brought in as well, but due to the terrain and the fire’s behavior, crews determined the safest approach would be to let it burn.
Courtesy: Trenton Volunteer Fire Department
Right now, the focus is on protecting nearby structures, personnel and the community.
Officials say trees have been badly burned and are falling down.
There’s also the potential for rapid flare-ups given conditions.
That’s why they’re asking everyone to stay away from the southwest and southeast sides of the lake.
Everyone nearby is also asked to watch out for firetrucks and personnel.
The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department is thanking all the farmers and businesses who’ve come out to help.
At this time, officials are telling Channel 8 they don’t need any more water or any other supplies.
