Several grass fires sweep across Central Nebraska Monday afternoon

KEARNEY, Neb. - Several grass fires broke out Monday afternoon across Nebraska, causing many fire departments to quickly respond and assist those in need.

Fire departments within a 300-mile radius are responding to the fires that have quickly spread across Custer County and the surrounding areas. One of the fires is located between Arnold and Merna.   

Multiple outlets are reporting, including the Sandhills Express, that the fires have impacted over 6,000 acres of land. In response, two airplanes have already been deployed with an additional two in route. 

Custer County Emergency Management at 4:30 p.m. said that three fires remain active while three others have been contained. 

The Wallace Fire Department said around 5 p.m. that the Southwest Mutual Aid Strike Team deployed six type-six engines to a wildfire between Arnold and Merna.

The cities primarily affected are Southwest of the fire, while authorities in Northeast Nebraska are assisting in the effort.