NORDEN, Neb. (AP) — Thousands of acres of north-central Nebraska have been charred by fires that are interfering with canoe and tubing businesses along the scenic Niobrara River.

Firefighters continue to battle the fire Monday.

Access to the Niobrara River has been eliminated downstream of Smith Falls State Park because of the fire, so part of the popular boating area is off limits.

Diane Egelhoff says she and her husband were ordered to leave their Rock Barn Outfitters business on Friday, but they have been back to the site over the weekend to build a fire line and remove their equipment.

Egelhoff says she feels lucky, but she has been praying a lot.

Egelhoff says the fire has approached within a half mile of her family’s land, but hasn’t reached their home or barn.