Bovee Fire nearly contained

HALSEY, Neb. -- After burning nearly 19,000 acres, the Bovee Fire in central Nebraska is now 94 percent contained.

Fire officials said a total of 18,861 acres have been burnt by the wildfire, which was a slight reduction from the number given Wednesday. Officials said the alteration was made due to better mapping.

Firefighters have encircled the entire fire perimeter, but a few short sections are not fully secure, leaving containment six percent short of complete.

Those remaining areas will be a priority Thursday as crews and engines continue to strengthen firelines and cool any remaining hotspots.

Mop-up, patrol, and hazard mitigation will continue on the contained portions of fireline. Structure protection forces will continue to assess and secure around structures, as well as remove burned hazard trees from roads and trails to improve access. 

Wednesday night was the final shift for the night crew, as there is no longer a need, according to officials on scene. Night shift personnel will be rested and deployed elsewhere.

Highway 2 is now open, but drivers are urged to use caution.

There will be a community information meeting on the Bovee Fire today at 3:00 p.m. CT at the Halsey Community Center. The public is invited. It will also be streamed online.