Around 100 acres burned in Halsey Fire, Wednesday an 'important' day

 

HALSEY --  Efforts continue to bring wildfires at the Nebraska National Forest under control.

Forest officials report two fires are currently burning, as of Wednesday afternoon. One smaller fire burned about eight acres. It has been reported as mostly contained. The other fire, dubbed the 201 East Fire, has now burned around 100 acres and is only partially contained.

Officials with the National Forest said efforts Wednesday will be key in getting the blaze under control. 

"The goal today will be to just get line around it and start mopping up if we can," said Julie Blain, a district ranger at the Nebraska Forest Service. A"Today will be an important day to get things done. If we're successful, then I think that, going into a red flag day tomorrow, we'll be in good shape. If we have trouble today then we'll have more trouble tomorrow." 

The Whitetail Campground is currently closed. Portions of the forest's ATV trails have been shut down as well.

The fires were caused by lightning strikes Monday evening. They were initially extinguished, but fired up again Tuesday afternoon.

Forest officials warned, the smell of smoke could drift into the area.

Photo is courtesy of the Nebraska National Forest & Grasslands.