Wildfire near Nebraska’s western border about 28% contained
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Banner County Fire Department said Thursday that crews are making progress to contain the wildfire that began on Tuesday near Nebraska’s border.
The fire has spread an additional 38 acres and now covers 3,738 acres in Banner County.
“We are estimating containment of the fire at 28% and will work to increase that line of black around the perimeter today,” incident commander Tim Grubbs said. “We are hopeful we will be able to release some of the air assets this afternoon if all goes well.”
There have been no reported injuries, accidents or homes destroyed so far in the fire.
Wednesday night, the fire calmed down, giving crews time to monitor conditions around the perimeter, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said.
SEE ALSO: Wildfire burns over 3,700 acres near Nebraska’s western border
Those efforts helped daytime crews focus on areas where the fire is the strongest.
“Firefighters from nearly 30 departments worked through the night to combat the Smokey Fire,” Grubbs said.
Four single-engine air tankers and three UH-60 Blackhawks also continue to provide support.
Responding crews have been broken up into five divisions and have the following objectives:
- Keep fire south of the county line
- Keep fire east of Wrights Gap
- Keep fire west of Road 63
- Keep fire north of Road 61
For information on resources available to farmers and ranchers affected by Nebraska wildfires, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s website.
