Firefighters battle Merrick County grass fire

CHAPMAN, Neb. -- Firefighters in central Nebraska responded to a grass fire over the weekend near Chapman.

At approximately 5:15 p.m. Friday, Chapman Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a grass fire spreading quickly into a field.

The fire was reported by Merrick County Sheriff's Office deputies who happened to be passing by the area. Fire crews responded immediately and remained on scene for nearly a hour to prevent any flare ups.

This was the fourth fire in the area in less than a week for crews as the current weather conditions are creating critical fire dangers.

Red flag warnings have expired in the area, but burn permits will be suspended until further notice due to dry and windy conditions.