Disaster declared as dozens of departments battle southeast Nebraska brush fire

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A disaster has been declared as dozens of departments battle a brush fire in southeast Nebraska that’s burned more than 650 acres.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency says the Waconda Fire is just south of Lake Waconda in Cass County.

It started in Iowa on Saturday before jumping across the river around 6 p.m.

More than 75 firefighters from 26 departments are working to put this blaze out.

The Nebraska National Guard has sent a crew to help on the ground, along with a helicopter that’s already dropped water on the fire.

The Nebraska State Patrol’s drone team is sharing aerial footage as well, while the Wildland Incident Response Assistant Team is providing technical support for control and management of the fire.

Cass County declared a disaster on Sunday, which Gov. Jim Pillen has approved.

It allows money from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with the response.

Pillen visited the area Monday afternoon to assess damage. He said as of that time, the fire was 90% contained to the north and 70% contained to the south.

“The terrain of this fire is treacherous,” incident commander Shane Adams said.  He added, “No structures have been affected at this time.”