Containment of the Betty’s Way fire has increased from 82% to 98%. Firefighters are monitoring weather forecasts for the next 48 hours, and have made significant progress the past 24 hours. Portions of the fire are currently under red flag warnings. Uncontained areas of the fire are pockets of heavy fuels and trees that still have the potential to ignite and throw hot embers across the fire line.
An initial damage assessment shows the Betty’s Way Fire destroyed 4 primary residences and damaged countless outbuilding and agricultural infrastructures. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Operations Thursday included increasing containment in heavy pockets of timber that pose risks to the fire’s edge. Wednesday, an extensive infrared flight provided detailed areas of isolated and significant heat. Some areas in timber pockets pose safety hazards to firefighters, which limits them from suppression efforts. Wednesday and Thursday’s tactics continue to include suppressing areas along the eastern edge of the fire identified by the infrared flights.
The Thursday goal was for transition from the Nebraska Type 3 Incident Management Team to Lincoln County and Custer County agencies and local fire departments.
The fire is not completely out. There are pockets of heat within the perimeter that will continue to burn and release smoke. Smoke will be visible for many days.
Future information will be released referencing the massive response provided by Nebraska firefighters at the local, county, and state level.
The full release from Thursday afternoon can be seen below.
