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Blaze damages one building and 200 acres near panhandle

MITCHELL, Neb. (AP) — Crews from five fire departments have fought a grass fire that blackened 200 or more acres near Mitchell in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Local Media reports that the fire began Sunday afternoon about four miles northeast of Mitchell. Winds gusting to 40 mph whipped the flames.

Mitchell Fire Chief Jon Wurdeman says the fire was started around 2 p.m. by an engine backfire from a loader.

Damage to one building and its contents was reported, but no injuries.

The fire was extinguished within a few hours, but the Mitchell department was called out again Sunday night to handle hot spots that had flared anew.

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