Highway 77 reopened after fire at abandoned factory in Beatrice

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A busy road shut down over the weekend after an abandoned factory caught fire in Beatrice is being reopened.

Beatrice City Administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer said crews reopened Highway 77 on Tuesday morning. 

The road was shut down late Friday night as firefighters battled flames at the Dempsters complex near Highway 77 and Perkins Street.

Officials said the old factory caught fire after a semitrailer in one of the buildings went up in flames, which spread to the second floor.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating Friday’s blaze, which is being investigated as incendiary.

Officials said that indicates the fire was started deliberately, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

The fire was reignited Monday afternoon, as crews were working to demolish part of the complex.