Fire burns through north Lincoln lumberyard

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A lumberyard in north Lincoln erupted in flames Tuesday night.

The fire was reported just before 10 p.m. near 23rd and Y streets.

When crews arrived, they saw such heavy flames and smoke that they immediately called for extra help.

The Channel 8 Berry Law tower camera captured flames shooting into the air and smoke drifting across the city.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue said the flames destroyed a building in the lumberyard and also damaged a home.

The two people who live in the home are displaced, authorities said.  The home had about $50,000 in damage.

Acting Battalion Chief Jon Reed thinks the fire started in the lumberyard and spread to the home, though LFR initially said the opposite.

Reed said that a recreational vehicle was also involved and that several propane tanks exploded.  Several other nearby vehicles also had thermal damage, according to LFR.

As Reed addressed the media, flames could be seen in a tree behind him.

The fire is now under control, but as of 11:20 p.m., crews were still spraying water on some spots.

Reed said firefighters would be on scene until at least 5 a.m. because fire is smoldering between layers of lumber, which makes it difficult to put out.

In an update Wednesday morning, LFR spokeswoman MJ Lierman said the fire started in one of the vacant lumber yard sheds.

The fire is under investigation by the Lincoln Police Department and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Department.

No one was injured in the fire.

Crews are monitoring hot spots at the scene and letting fuel continue to burn down, Lierman said.

This is a developing story. Check with Channel 8 for the latest.