Brian Neben, Courtesy
NORTH PLATTE, NE – A grass fire that began in North Platte Monday has since burned 71,022 acres.
According the the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, on February 26th at 10:32am North Platte 911 center received a phone call reporting a wildfire from a resident on Betty’s Way, approximately 8.6 miles northeast of North Platte.
North Platte Fire Department responded with 3 stations and arrived on scene within 12 minutes. Fire managers established immediate suppression tactics and named the fire the Betty’s wat Fire. North Platter requested mutual aid through the Mid-Plains Mutual Aid District which is comprised of 15 area volunteer fire departments.
Due to red flag warnings and wind speeds in excess of 40 mph, the fire grew rapidly to the east. Evacuations were issued for areas ahead of the fire. As of today, no injuries were reported.
Additional requests were made to the State of Nebraska and Governor Jim Pill declared an emergency disaster. This provided additional support from Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, an cooperating agencies from across the state. Governor Pillen activated the Nebraska Incident Management Team to support the local fire managers on scene.
Region 51 Emergency Management ordered additional support from many Nebraska fire departments. Nebraska IMT began operations on Tuesday Feb. 27 at 6 a.m. to assist in managing additional resources throughout the state. The Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska State Patrol are assisting with aerial supports and drone needs.
As of Feb 27, Betty’s Way Fire is 71,022 acres. Fire Manager are currently working on assessing the work performed through the past 24 hours and should expected some containment issued later in the day. Two primary residence and numerous outbuilding have been destroyed. We are currently working to with ranchers, farmers, and residents to address any needs they have. Fire Manager are actively working with that American Red Cross and various state agencies to provide assistance to those affected by the Betty’s Way Fire.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Agency has determined the fire was human caused, resulting from mowing operations.