Wildfire near North Platte at 82% containment, state officials say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Firefighters made progress Wednesday in extinguishing a large wildfire near North Platte.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said snow and other moisture helped suppress the Betty’s Way Fire.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire had burned 71,022 acres in Lincoln and Custer counties.

About 60 people are still working on managing the “complex” wildfire, which is at 82% containment, according to NEMA.

Once the fire is contained, some hot spots will continue to burn for several days, the agency said.

Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions through the weekend, including the potential of strong winds.

Gov. Jim Pillen has declared an emergency, which provided support from state agencies, like the Nebraska National Guard.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency determined that the fire was caused by a lawnmower.