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(Lincoln, NE) Wildfires are still burning across portions of western Nebraska, but the fire that entered the southern parts of Chadron this evening appears to have burned its way through town.
The fire burned from east to west, and fire crews are now working to extinguish spot-fires across southern Chadron. Officials had received no reports of significant injuries.
Local officials and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are reporting the most extensive damage south of 10th Street in Chadron. Crews have been able to protect most of the campus of Chadron State College, although early reports show at least some damage was sustained. Smoky conditions are hampering efforts to compile estimates on the number of homes and buildings damaged.
The Nebraska State Patrol has dispatched troopers to the west and north of Chadron to scout the current location of the fire. At least some flames are still burning in the hills to the south of town.
While conditions continue to evolve, the American Red Cross is mobilizing its efforts to provide shelter for displaced residents in northwest Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will send response teams to the area tomorrow to help address personal needs, and NEMA will begin compiling damage assessments tomorrow.
The fire threat is still considered significant, and the blaze is not yet considered contained. Updates on the other fires are still being compiled.
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