Fire crews respond to grass fire northwest of Fairbury
Fire spread nearly a mile as critical fire weather conditions persist
FAIRBURY, Neb. — Fire crews are mopping up a grass fire west of Fairbury Thursday afternoon.
The Jefferson and Saline County Emergency Management Agency said fire departments were paged to a fire near 563 Road and 713 Road west of Fairbury.
Emergency Management Director John McKee said the fire moved about three-quarters of a mile to the northeast, but crews were able to keep the fire to under a mile in extent.
As of Thursday evening, the fire was under control, and crews were continuing mop-up operations.
Firefighters were also conducting backburning along the north side of the fire and clearing ditches and tree areas to prevent the fire from spreading.
McKee said crews were also preparing for a wind shift expected between 10 p.m. and midnight, which could impact the fire area.
Officials say multiple other fires have also been reported across southeast Nebraska, including in Gage, Fillmore and Lancaster counties, with several departments assisting in those responses.
The fire comes as much of Nebraska is under Red Flag Warnings and High Wind alerts, with strong winds, low humidity and dry conditions creating critical fire weather conditions across the state, according to the National Weather Service.