Local Firefighters Respond to Betty’s Way Wildfire

Local firefighters have answered the call for mutual aid, to assist in battling a fire northeast of North Platte, dubbed the Betty's Way Wild Fire.As of press time, the blaze is 98 percent contained.The fire has consumed more than 72,000 acres. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported thus far.One primary residence was destroyed, one primary residence was damaged, and numerous outbuildings have been destroyed.3-and-33 Mutual Aid Strike TeamThe 3-and-33 mutual aid district is supporting the effort with both personnel and equipment.Early morning on February 28, Fairbury Rural Fire sent one type 6 with three firefighters. Barneston Rural Volunteer Fire Department sent a Type 5 with personnel. Wymore Fire and Rescue sent a support vehicle with additional personnel.The crews arrived at the North Platte Station shortly before 6:00 a.m. The temperature at that time was approximately three degrees.These local firefighters joined an estimated 60 people working on managing the fire.Emergency DeclaredGovernor Jim Pillen declared an emergency Monday night, February 26. This will allow additional support from state agencies and use of the governor’s disaster funds. Nebraska's Incident Management Team has provided assistance to local agencies with fire suppression.CauseThe Nebraska State Fire Marshall's Agency has determined the fire human-caused, resulting from mowing operations.“The fire is a stark reminder that 90 percent of wildfires in Nebraska are human-caused. That's 10 percent higher than the national average,” the Nebraska Forest Service noted in a statement. “The biggest culprits in Nebraska include unmonitored burns, dragging tow chains, underinflated tires, and hot machinery on grass. During the spring planting and fall harvesting seasons, farmers and landowners frequently employ heavy machinery. It's possible for that equipment to heat up and ignite, or become clogged and catch fire.”Once the Fire is OutExtinguishing the blaze will not be the end of operations.Nebraska's Incident Management Team efforts include developing a plan once the fire is contained. Pockets of heat and fuels will continue to burn within the perimeter for several days. Smoke will be visible within the fire footprint but, according to Nebraska Emergency management, will not pose risks to the fire line and cause it to escape.

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