Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) increased containment estimates to 82% early Wednesday afternoon, February 28. Approximately 60 people are working to manage the large and complex wildfire.
Yesterday’s weather was a major factor in that snow and moisture assisted in suppression efforts. Wind, however, hampered some suppression tactics.
Wednesday’s weather is allowing crews to aggressively continue. Fire managers are monitoring fire weather concerns throughout the weekend with the potential of increased winds and decreased relative humidity.
Current operations are focusing on the east area of the fire. Heavy timber like trees have been impacted and continue to burn and put off smoke. In Division K, hand crews and fire engines are aggressively engaged in suppressing timber. In Division R, firefighters are using engines and hand tools to increase the depth of the fire perimeter, eliminating any heat that poses risks to the containment line. In Division Z, firefighters are patrolling the perimeter and confirming there are no other threats to controlled lines. In Division A and Division H, Fire engines are patrolling the perimeters making sure the containment line will hold.
Primary residences, outbuildings, and agriculture/ranch infrastructures are being evaluated by fire managers to determine impact.
Wednesday’s efforts also include developing a play once the fire is contained. Pockets of heat and fuels will continue to burn within the perimeter for several days. Smoke will be visible withing the fire footprint, but will not pose risks to the fire line and cause it to escape. Fire managers hope to make good progress which should allow minimal staff through the night and into the weekend.
This is an ongoing and developing story. For a complete update-by-update rundown of the fire, click to view this story here.
