We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

1,000 acres in Nebraska National Forest burned

HALSEY, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters are battling a wildfire that has burned more than 1,000 acres in the rugged hills of the Nebraska National Forest.

The fire that started Saturday forced the evacuation of two campgrounds. Smoke is visible from Highway 2.

Bessey District Ranger Tim Buskirk says the fire has been difficult to fight because of the terrain. Sunday’s forecast for high temperatures and wind gusts up to 30 mph could make it hard to contain the fire.

Two other fires in the area have been contained, but they remain only a few miles away. One of those fires was north of Stapleton and one was near Ringgold.

Officials believe that lightning sparked the fires.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File