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(Lincoln, NE) Fire conditions around Chadron continue to deteriorate, and local officials have begun to evacuate residents living in southern Chadron.
Flames have crested over the hillsides in the southeastern area of town, and all areas south of Sixth Street are being evacuated. All non-essential personnel at Chadron State College are also being evacuated. Evacuees are being advised to move to the Assumption Arena, at Third and Cedar Streets.
At least 20 homes outside Chadron were evacuated earlier this evening as firefighters continued to battle a series of wildfires in the Nebraska Panhandle.
“I want to urge residents in the area to remain calm,” Gov. Heineman said. “Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, but it’s important that residents in the area be ready to evacuate as it becomes necessary.”
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is working with local and county officials in western Nebraska to collaborate efforts to control wildfires in Sioux, Banner and Dawes counties. Early reports indicate that there are at least five uncontained fires burning in Sioux, Banner and Dawes counties.
The active fires are in the following areas: south of Chadron, northeast and southeast of Harrison, south of Gering in Banner County, and outside Whitney.
NEMA has received approval for a Federal Emergency Management Agency fire management assistance grant to aid in offsetting the costs of large-scale firefighting efforts. The Governor has been in contact with Nebraska’s federal delegation and continues to work with NEMA and local officials to request additional federal assets as needed.
A full evacuation order for the city of Chadron, if enacted, could potentially affect more than 5,600 residents and 2,400 homes.
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