Plum Creek Fire up to 70% Contained, More Than 7,000 Acres Burned in North-Central Nebraska

By Zach Wendling

A Friday morning update from Ainsworth Fire Chief Brad Fiala, shared through the local KBRB Radio station, indicates the north-central Nebraska Plum Creek Fire is up to 70% contained as crews continue to battle the fire west and north of Johnstown in Brown County.

The fire started Monday afternoon after a private landowner’s prescribed burn done in coordination with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, local fire departments and other partners escaped containment, according to local and state officials.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued a statewide burn ban Wednesday afternoon through the end of April, when the fire was 0% contained and 6,631 acres had been burned. By Thursday morning, the fire was 40% contained.

Game and Parks is enforcing a temporary campfire ban across its properties.

Many outside resources that were called to assist will depart the area Friday, according to Fiala’s update. The two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the Nebraska National Guard that had been on scene will still make water drops on interior hot spots Friday.

“We are trying to work hot spots and smoldering areas now,” Fiala said in the update. “You are still going to see smoke in there for the next couple [of] weeks.”

Fiala said warmer temperatures and strong winds are expected to return to the area Sunday, which could complicate the response as crews continue fighting.

Landowners are encouraged to help local volunteer fire departments monitor the area. One cabin was destroyed and 45 cattle were killed, and a few people lost their deer stands. Crews have managed to save other houses and structures in the area.

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