‘This is an expensive game’: Multiple false fire reports in Lincoln under investigation

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A series of swatting calls is being investigated in Lincoln, police said Tuesday.

Over the past month, there have been at least eight false reports of fires, according to the Lincoln Police Department.

That includes four since Monday afternoon.

Police said someone has been calling into a crisis line saying there is an active fire. The crisis line then alerts the Lincoln dispatch center.

But when Lincoln Fire & Rescue arrives at the locations, they don’t find any fire.

One of the hoax calls on Tuesday was about a fire at Lincoln Southeast High School.

At least two homes have also been the subject of swatting calls in recent days.

Sharon Wright is the owner of one of those homes.

She said this is a waste of people’s time.

“This is an expensive game they’re playing, and a dangerous one,” Wright said. “What if other calls come in that need those same trucks?”

She is concerned that these calls are escalating.

“This isn’t fair,” Wright said. “This is a dangerous situation that needs to get under control.”

She hopes whoever is behind them will quit before someone gets hurt.

“Let’s not take it any further,” Wright said. “Let’s stop it right now.”

The Lincoln Police Department said in a statement that dispatchers are “operating under the assumption that all reports reflect genuine emergencies.”

Swatting calls “have a detrimental impact on public safety, community trust and city resources,” LPD said.

The department is investigating the origin and motive of the calls.

Anyone with information should call LPD at 402-441-6000.