Wildfire near state park in southeast Nebraska at 90% containment, officials report

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The wildfire that broke out near the Rock Creek Station State Historical Park is nearly extinguished, officials announced Friday.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency says the Rock Creek Fire in Jefferson County is currently at 90% containment.

Officials initially reported that 2,600 acres had been burned, but now the agency says it’s closer to 1,800 acres.

There have been no notable flare-ups in the last 24 hours, and with rain in the forecast, state agencies have started to pack up.

Local fire departments will now handle all operations, according to a press release.

“I want to thank everyone from the state level who helped us out on this, as well as the responding local volunteer fire departments,” Fairbury Fire Chief Kenny Krause said in the release.

He also thanked the Fairbury community “for their overwhelming donations and support.”

The state park is closed until further notice.

Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order Thursday declaring a state of emergency in Nebraska, as several wildfires have been breaking out.

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