VALENTINE, Neb. (AP) — A wildfire caused by lightning has burned a portion of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.

Refuge Fire Management Officer Troy Davis says the fire was confined to an area just west of Highway 83 between Thedford and Valentine on the refuge.

The National Weather Service says lightning started the fire. Winds of up to 63 miles per hour in the area spread the flames.

Several area fire departments were called to the scene along with local ranchers who came to help.